Mediterranean Journalists Festival returns to Otranto

The 18th edition of the Mediterranean Journalists Festival is scheduled to take place in Otranto from September 1 to 4. The theme for the 2026 event is ‘One profession, a thousand global challenges,’ addressing contemporary issues such as disinformation, international conflicts, and the impact of artificial intelligence on information.

Organized by Tommaso Forte, Nicola Fragassi, Leda Cesari, and Rosaria Bianco in partnership with the Municipality of Otranto, the festival will present the ‘Caravella del Mediterraneo’ awards on September 4. Recipients include Lucio Caracciolo, founder of Limes; White House correspondent Iacopo Luzi; and Palestinian journalist Alhassan Selmi, among others.

A special award for press freedom will be presented to American freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was kidnapped in Baghdad this past March. The event features editorial partnerships with ANSA, Radio Vaticana, Vatican News, La Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno, and Mondoemediterraneo.eu.