Echoes of Italy: il Giornale's Enduring Legacy
A scholarly exploration into the history, influence, and evolution of Italy's prominent conservative daily newspaper.
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What is il Giornale?
A Pillar of Italian Journalism
il Giornale, meaning "the Newspaper" in English, is a distinguished Italian-language daily newspaper headquartered in Milan. Since its inception, it has been recognized as one of Italy's principal national newspapers, offering a distinct voice within the country's diverse media landscape.[2][3][4]
Founding Principles & Political Stance
Established in 1974 by the eminent journalist Indro Montanelli, il Giornale emerged from a foundational disagreement with the left-leaning editorial shift at Corriere della Sera, where Montanelli had been a key contributor.[5] From its very beginning, the newspaper has maintained a clear conservative and right-wing political alignment, reflecting its founders' vision.[8][9]
Evolution of Name and Format
Initially launched as il Giornale nuovo, the publication adopted its current, more concise name, il Giornale, in 1983.[6] Over the years, it also adapted its physical presentation, transitioning from a broadsheet format to the more compact tabloid format in May 2005. Concurrently, recognizing the digital shift, il Giornale launched its online version in the same year, expanding its reach to a broader audience.[14][17]
Historical Trajectory
The Montanelli Era: A New Voice
Indro Montanelli, a prominent figure in Italian journalism, founded il Giornale nuovo on 25 June 1974, following his departure from Corriere della Sera in 1973. He was joined by a cohort of distinguished colleagues, including Enzo Bettiza, Ferenc Fejtő, and Raymond Aron. Montanelli served as both editor and a member of the publishing company's board, overseeing an editorial office comprising 59 journalists, all dedicated to establishing a new conservative voice in Italy.[5][6][7]
The Berlusconi Influence
In 1977, facing financial challenges, Montanelli accepted an offer from Silvio Berlusconi, who subsequently became the newspaper's owner.[11] This marked a significant shift in the paper's trajectory. When Berlusconi transitioned into politics in December 1993, Montanelli, prioritizing editorial independence, chose to depart and founded his own short-lived daily, La Voce.[12] In 1992, Silvio Berlusconi transferred ownership of il Giornale to his brother, Paolo Berlusconi, further solidifying the family's influence.[11]
Digital Expansion and Supplements
Beyond its format change and online launch in 2005, il Giornale also expanded its offerings with supplements. In 2007, the monthly business magazine Espansione became a regular supplement to the paper.[18][19] This strategic move aimed to diversify content and appeal to a broader readership interested in economic and business affairs.
Ownership Dynamics
The Berlusconi Family's Tenure
For decades, il Giornale was closely associated with the Berlusconi family. After Silvio Berlusconi's initial acquisition in 1977, his brother Paolo Berlusconi assumed ownership in 1992. The publishing entity, Società Europea di Edizioni, was notably owned by Paolo Berlusconi (58.3%) and Arnoldo Mondadori Editore (41.7%), with Mondadori itself being majority-owned by Fininvest, a holding company of the Berlusconi family.[15][20]
Recent Acquisition by Antonio Angelucci
A significant change in ownership occurred in September 2023, when the Berlusconi family divested il Giornale to Antonio Angelucci. Angelucci is a notable figure in Italian media, already owning other prominent newspapers such as Libero and Il Tempo. This acquisition marks a new chapter for il Giornale, potentially influencing its future editorial direction and market position within the Italian media landscape.[22]
Circulation Trends
A Shifting Readership
The circulation of il Giornale, like many traditional newspapers, has seen fluctuations over the decades. In 1997, it was a top-selling Italian newspaper, indicating a strong market presence. However, subsequent years have shown a general decline, reflecting broader trends in newspaper readership globally, influenced by the rise of digital media and changing consumption habits.
The *il Giornale della Libertà* Experiment
In a notable initiative, il Giornale launched a free weekly political supplement titled il Giornale della Libertà, headed by Michela Vittoria Brambilla. This venture, however, faced considerable internal criticism from the editorial staff, leading to a strike—only the second in the newspaper's history after Montanelli's departure. The supplement ultimately ceased publication in May 2008, highlighting the challenges of introducing new editorial directions within an established journalistic institution.[29][30]
Leadership & Editors
Editors-in-Chief Through the Years
The role of Editor-in-Chief is pivotal in shaping a newspaper's editorial line and public image. il Giornale has been led by a series of influential figures, each contributing to its distinct identity. Notable editors include its founder, Indro Montanelli, and Vittorio Feltri, who had multiple tenures. The current editor-in-chief, Alessandro Sallusti, is also serving his third term, underscoring a continuity in leadership despite changes in ownership.
Directors and Co-Directors
Beyond the Editor-in-Chief, the newspaper's direction has also been guided by a series of directors and co-directors, particularly during its formative years. These roles often involve strategic oversight and management, complementing the editorial leadership. The presence of co-directors, such as Enzo Bettiza and Gian Galeazzo Biazzi Vergani, highlights a collaborative approach to leadership in certain periods of the newspaper's history.
Editorial Landscape
Diverse Voices and Perspectives
il Giornale has consistently featured a wide array of journalists and collaborators who contribute to its distinct editorial voice. This extensive network of contributors ensures a rich tapestry of perspectives, aligning with the newspaper's conservative and centre-right political stance. The list of journalists and collaborators since 1994 is extensive, including figures like Geminello Alvi, Gianni Baget Bozzo, Fausto Biloslavo, Mario Cervi, Paolo Del Debbio, Filippo Facci, Mario Giordano, Paolo Guzzanti, Ida Magli, Fiamma Nirenstein, Nicola Porro, Eugenia Roccella, Alessandro Sallusti, and Vittorio Sgarbi, among many others.
Weekly Columns: A Glimpse into Content
A significant part of il Giornale's appeal lies in its regular weekly columns, which cover a broad spectrum of topics from politics and economics to culture and lifestyle. These columns provide consistent engagement for readers and often feature prominent commentators. For instance, "La lente sulla casa" by Corrado Sforza Fogliani offers insights on housing, while "Il quadro di Sgarbi" by Vittorio Sgarbi delves into art, showcasing the paper's intellectual breadth.
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