Presenter(s)

Stella Johnson

Comments

9:00-10:15, Kennedy Union Ballroom

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Description

Since the beginning of the Italian and Sicilian mafia in the 19th century, organized crime has had a profound impact on Italy, influencing not only its government and culture but also its journalism. The role of the press is crucial in informing the public, yet the presence of mafia organizations poses a significant threat to journalistic freedom. Without a truly free press, journalists may be intimidated into self-censorship, leading to misinformation and potential corruption within Italian society. This study investigates the influence of the Italian mafia on journalism since the 1980s, examining how mafia-controlled territories, specifically in Southern Italy which includes Campania, Calabria, and Sicily, shape news reporting and the challenges journalists face in exposing the truth within a society dominated by organized crime. The research includes real accounts of journalists who have been threatened or harmed for reporting on mafia activities such as Giuseppe Fava, who was killed in 1984 by the mafia in Catania. Additionally, the project includes spotlights on Italian anti-mafia groups and their relationship with journalists. A historical overview of the mafia and key terminology associated with these criminal organizations will also be provided. Ultimately, this project seeks to answer the question: Is free press truly ensured in Italy when reporting on the mafia?

Publication Date

4-23-2025

Project Designation

Capstone Project

Primary Advisor

Masha I. Kisel

Primary Advisor's Department

Global Languages and Cultures

Keywords

Stander Symposium, College of Arts and Sciences

The Effects of the Mafia on Journalism in Italy: Is Free Press Ensured Where the Mafia is Concerned?

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