Italian Journalists Dispute Proposed Professional Reform

A dispute has emerged between the National Council of the Order of Journalists and the National Federation of the Italian Press (Fnsi) regarding a proposed reform of the journalistic profession. The central point of contention is the shift from a requirement of exclusivity in journalistic activity to a criterion of “prevalence.”

This proposed change, voted on by the Order in 2023, would allow professionals to combine journalism with other occupations, such as communications, to adapt to modern labor market transformations. Fnsi General Secretary Alessandra Costante has criticized the move, raising concerns about the ethical integrity, independence, and economic sustainability of the profession.

In response, Carlo Bartoli, President of the Order of Journalists, has defended the proposal, noting that the concept of prevalence is already utilized in the statutes of various regional press associations. The debate follows new legislative developments regarding professional delegation laws and highlights ongoing tensions regarding labor contracts and the stability of newsrooms.