# Mediterranean Journalists Festival in Otranto

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mediterranean-journalists-festival-in-otranto
> Updated: 2026-09-04T23:20:54.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

The 18th edition of the Mediterranean Journalists Festival was held in Otranto from September 1 to 4, 2026. The event centered on the theme ‘One profession, a thousand global challenges,’ examining how disinformation, international conflicts, and artificial intelligence affect the journalism profession.

The festival concluded with the presentation of the ‘Caravella’ awards. Honorees included Lucio Caracciolo, Iacopo Luzi, General Armando Franza, Luciana Esposito, Alhassan Selmi, Claudio Antonelli, and Leonardo Zellino. Additionally, a special award for press freedom was granted to American freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was recognized following her kidnapping and subsequent release in Baghdad.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-04: Otranto hosts conclusion of Mediterranean Journalists Festival

The 18th Festival Giornalisti del Mediterraneo concluded in Otranto with the ‘Caravella’ awards, honoring journalists and discussing Mediterranean geopolitics and AI in media.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/otranto-hosts-conclusion-of-mediterranean-journalists-festival

### 2026-08-27: Mediterranean Journalists Festival returns to Otranto

The 18th Mediterranean Journalists Festival returns to Otranto from September 1–4, focusing on journalism's challenges amid AI and global conflict. It will honor several prominent media figures and pressfreedom

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mediterranean-journalists-festival-returns-to-otranto

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Cite as: Mediterranean Journalists Festival in Otranto. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mediterranean-journalists-festival-in-otranto