{"id":333596,"date":"2026-07-28T21:20:29","date_gmt":"2026-07-28T19:20:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/italien.news\/uncategorized\/pressefreiheit-italien\/"},"modified":"2026-07-28T22:20:36","modified_gmt":"2026-07-28T20:20:36","slug":"freedom-of-the-press-italy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/italien.news\/en\/medien-presse\/pressefreiheit-italien\/","title":{"rendered":"Freedom of the Press in Italy: The Situation, Rankings, and Criticism"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\" id=\"wpb-content-root\"><div class=\"row vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid\"><div class=\"jeg-vc-wrapper\"><div class=\"wpb_column jeg_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"jeg_wrapper wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"vc_empty_space\"   style=\"height: 32px\"><span class=\"vc_empty_space_inner\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid\"><div class=\"jeg-vc-wrapper\"><div class=\"wpb_column jeg_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"jeg_wrapper wpb_wrapper\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<p>Italy is a well-established democracy with a diverse press\u2014yet it remains under scrutiny when it comes to press freedom. The country has recently slipped significantly in the Reporters Without Borders rankings. This guide puts the figures into context and explains what the debate is about.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<h2>The numbers: 56th place in 2026<\/h2>\n<p>In the <strong>2026 Press Freedom Index<\/strong> According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Italy ranks <strong>56th place<\/strong> from 180 countries. The trend is clearly negative:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>2024: 46th place<\/li>\n<li>2025: 49th place<\/li>\n<li>2026: 56th place<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This makes Italy the lowest-ranked country in Western Europe. To put this in perspective: According to RSF, worldwide press freedom in 2026 ranks <strong>lowest level since the index was introduced 25 years ago<\/strong> achieved\u2014Italy's decline is thus part of a global trend, but it stands out when compared to other Western European countries.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<h2>The Main Points of Criticism<\/h2>\n<h3>1. Intimidation Lawsuits<\/h3>\n<p>The most frequently mentioned points are <strong>frivolous lawsuits<\/strong> against journalists (<em>a reckless quarrel<\/em>, (known internationally as a SLAPP). The goal here is less about winning and more about wearing the other side down: Even cases with no chance of success tie up time and money\u2014especially for small newsrooms and freelance journalists.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Threats from Organized Crime<\/h3>\n<p>Italy has an internationally recognized tradition of investigative journalism targeting the Mafia\u2014and pays a price for it. Several dozen journalists live under <strong>Police protection<\/strong>, because they report on organized crime.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Political Influence on the RAI<\/h3>\n<p>The appointment of executives and editorial staff at the public broadcaster <a href=\"https:\/\/italien.news\/en\/media-press\/tv-and-radio-in-italy\/\">RAI<\/a> traditionally follows political majorities\u2014critics refer to it as <em>Subdivision<\/em>, the distribution of positions among political parties. With every change in government, the debate flares up anew; all political camps are affected.<\/p>\n<h3>4. Concentration of Ownership<\/h3>\n<p>Many media outlets are owned by industrial conglomerates or families with interests outside of journalism\u2014see <a href=\"https:\/\/italien.news\/en\/media-press\/news-agencies-in-italy\/\">News Agencies<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/italien.news\/en\/media-press\/daily-newspapers-in-italy\/\">Daily Newspapers<\/a>. This raises questions about independence, even though editorial guidelines are intended to counteract this.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid\"><div class=\"jeg-vc-wrapper\"><div class=\"wpb_column jeg_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"jeg_wrapper wpb_wrapper\"><div  class=\"jeg_postblock_3 jeg_postblock jeg_module_hook jeg_pagination_disable jeg_col_3o3 jnews_module__0_6af1aaa67acce  jeg_pb_boxed    with-format-icon\" data-unique=\"jnews_module__0_6af1aaa67acce\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"jeg_posts jeg_block_container\">\n                \n                <div class=\"jeg_posts jeg_load_more_flag\">\n                <article class=\"jeg_post jeg_pl_md_2 format-standard\">\n                <div class=\"jeg_thumb\">\n                    \n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/italien.news\/en\/medien-presse\/medien-in-italien-ueberblick\/\" aria-label=\"Read article: Media in Italy: An Overview of the Press, News Agencies, and Websites\"><div class=\"thumbnail-container animate-lazy  size-715\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"350\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/italien.news\/wp-content\/themes\/jnews\/assets\/img\/jeg-empty.png\" class=\"attachment-jnews-350x250 size-jnews-350x250 lazyload wp-post-image\" alt=\"Several Italian daily newspapers as the subject of a press review\" sizes=\"(max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/italien.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/italienische-Zeitungen-Foto-Canva.com_-350x250.avif\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/italien.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/italienische-Zeitungen-Foto-Canva.com_-350x250.avif 350w, https:\/\/italien.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/italienische-Zeitungen-Foto-Canva.com_-120x86.avif 120w, https:\/\/italien.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/italienische-Zeitungen-Foto-Canva.com_-750x536.avif 750w, https:\/\/italien.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/italienische-Zeitungen-Foto-Canva.com_-1140x815.avif 1140w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-expand=\"700\" \/><\/div><\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"jeg_postblock_content\">\n                    <h3 class=\"jeg_post_title\">\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/italien.news\/en\/medien-presse\/medien-in-italien-ueberblick\/\">Media in Italy: An Overview of the Press, News Agencies, and Websites<\/a>\n                    <\/h3>\n                    <div class=\"jeg_post_meta\"><div class=\"jeg_meta_date\"><a href=\"https:\/\/italien.news\/en\/medien-presse\/medien-in-italien-ueberblick\/\"><div class=\"jeg-fa-4 jeg-icon-svg jeg-svg-clock-o\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 1536 1792\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><g transform=\"translate(0 1536) scale(1 -1)\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M896 992v-448q0 -14 -9 -23t-23 -9h-320q-14 0 -23 9t-9 23v64q0 14 9 23t23 9h224v352q0 14 9 23t23 9h64q14 0 23 -9t9 -23zM1312 640q0 148 -73 273t-198 198t-273 73t-273 -73t-198 -198t-73 -273t73 -273t198 -198t273 -73t273 73t198 198t73 273zM1536 640 q0 -209 -103 -385.5t-279.5 -279.5t-385.5 -103t-385.5 103t-279.5 279.5t-103 385.5t103 385.5t279.5 279.5t385.5 103t385.5 -103t279.5 -279.5t103 -385.5z\"\/><\/g><\/svg><\/div> July 28, 2026<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"jeg_post_excerpt\">\n                        <p>An Overview of Italy's Media Landscape: News agencies, daily newspapers, regional press, online portals, TV and radio, sports and business media, and the state of press freedom.<\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/article>\n            <\/div>\n                <div class='module-overlay'>\n\t\t\t\t    <div class='preloader_type preloader_dot'>\n\t\t\t\t        <div class=\"module-preloader jeg_preloader dot\">\n\t\t\t\t            <span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t        <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t        <div class=\"module-preloader jeg_preloader circle\">\n\t\t\t\t            <div class=\"jnews_preloader_circle_outer\">\n\t\t\t\t                <div class=\"jnews_preloader_circle_inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t            <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t        <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t        <div class=\"module-preloader jeg_preloader square\">\n\t\t\t\t            <div class=\"jeg_square\">\n\t\t\t\t                <div class=\"jeg_square_inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t            <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t        <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t    <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"jeg_block_navigation\">\n                <div class='navigation_overlay'><div class='module-preloader jeg_preloader'><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n                \n                \n            <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<script>var jnews_module__0_6af1aaa67acce = {\"header_icon\":\"\",\"header_icon_svg\":\"\",\"first_title\":\"\",\"second_title\":\"\",\"url\":\"\",\"header_type\":\"heading_6\",\"header_background\":\"\",\"header_secondary_background\":\"\",\"header_text_color\":\"\",\"header_line_color\":\"\",\"header_accent_color\":\"\",\"header_filter_category\":\"\",\"header_filter_author\":\"\",\"header_filter_tag\":\"\",\"header_filter_text\":\"All\",\"sticky_post\":\"\",\"sticky_post_filter\":false,\"post_type\":\"post\",\"content_type\":\"all\",\"sponsor\":\"\",\"number_post\":\"1\",\"post_offset\":\"0\",\"unique_content\":\"disable\",\"include_post\":\"333583\",\"included_only\":\"true\",\"exclude_post\":\"\",\"include_category\":\"\",\"exclude_category\":\"\",\"include_author\":\"\",\"include_tag\":\"\",\"exclude_tag\":\"\",\"exclude_visited_post\":\"\",\"day_range\":\"disable\",\"custom_pub_number\":10,\"custom_mod_number\":10,\"sort_by\":\"random\",\"show_meta\":\"yes\",\"show_meta_date\":\"yes\",\"show_meta_views\":\"no\",\"show_meta_author\":\"no\",\"show_meta_comment\":\"no\",\"date_format\":\"default\",\"date_format_custom\":\"Y\\\/m\\\/d\",\"title_tag\":\"h3\",\"excerpt_length\":\"31\",\"excerpt_ellipsis\":\"...\",\"force_normal_image_load\":\"\",\"force_fetch_priority_high\":\"\",\"fetch_priority_post_position\":1,\"main_custom_image_size\":\"default\",\"pagination_mode\":\"disable\",\"pagination_nextprev_showtext\":\"\",\"pagination_number_post\":4,\"pagination_scroll_limit\":0,\"ads_type\":\"disable\",\"ads_position\":1,\"ads_random\":\"\",\"ads_image\":\"\",\"ads_image_tablet\":\"\",\"ads_image_phone\":\"\",\"ads_image_link\":\"\",\"ads_image_alt\":\"\",\"ads_image_new_tab\":\"\",\"google_publisher_id\":\"\",\"google_slot_id\":\"\",\"google_desktop\":\"auto\",\"google_tab\":\"auto\",\"google_phone\":\"auto\",\"content\":\"\",\"ads_bottom_text\":\"\",\"boxed\":\"true\",\"boxed_shadow\":\"\",\"el_id\":\"\",\"el_class\":\"\",\"scheme\":\"\",\"column_width\":\"auto\",\"title_color\":\"\",\"accent_color\":\"\",\"alt_color\":\"\",\"excerpt_color\":\"\",\"css\":\"\",\"compatible_column_notice\":\"\",\"random_post_loaded_ids\":\"333583\",\"query_has_next\":false,\"query_has_prev\":false,\"paged\":1,\"column_class\":\"jeg_col_3o3\",\"class\":\"jnews_block_3\"};<\/script>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid\"><div class=\"jeg-vc-wrapper\"><div class=\"wpb_column jeg_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"jeg_wrapper wpb_wrapper\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<h2>What Speaks in Italy's Favor<\/h2>\n<p>To be fair, there\u2019s another side to the story: Italy has a <strong>a vibrant, outspoken public<\/strong>, a broad spectrum of opinion ranging from left to right, a functioning judiciary, strong investigative newsrooms, and the Professional Association of Journalists (<em>Order of Journalists<\/em>) as well as advocacy groups organized by the FNSI union. There is no censorship in the traditional sense; criticism of the government and those in power is published daily and without restriction.<\/p>\n<p>The assessment itself is also controversial: The RSF Index combines expert surveys with recorded attacks, which may explain the fluctuations from year to year. It therefore tends to measure a <strong>Climate<\/strong> as an exact quantity.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<h2>What this means for you as a reader<\/h2>\n<p>Not: \u201eYou can\u2019t trust the Italian media.\u201c But rather: Read it as you would anywhere else <strong>several sources with different perspectives<\/strong>. News agency reports (such as ansa.it) present the bare facts, while newspapers provide context\u2014and looking at who owns the outlet helps put a stance into perspective. That's exactly what our <a href=\"https:\/\/italien.news\/en\/media-press\/overview-of-the-media-in-italy\/\">Overview of the Media Landscape<\/a> intended.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<h2>What You Can Do Next<\/h2>\n<p>When dealing with controversial topics, take two extra minutes: check a news agency report for the facts, and two newspapers with different perspectives for their interpretations. If you want to dig deeper, you can find the latest country rankings directly on the Reporters Without Borders website.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid\"><div class=\"jeg-vc-wrapper\"><div class=\"wpb_column jeg_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"jeg_wrapper wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"vc_empty_space\"   style=\"height: 32px\"><span class=\"vc_empty_space_inner\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid\"><div class=\"jeg-vc-wrapper\"><div class=\"wpb_column jeg_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"jeg_wrapper wpb_wrapper\"><div  class=\"jeg_block_heading jeg_block_heading_6 jeg_alignleft jnews_module__1_6af1aaa67c3e4\">\n                <h3 class=\"jeg_block_title\"><span>FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions About Freedom of the Press in Italy<\/span><\/h3>\n                \n            <\/div><div  class='jnews-faq-wrapper jnews_module__2_6af1aaa67c5aa style-4'>\n\t\t\t\t    \n        <div class=\"list-wrapper expand\">\n            <a class=\"list-toogle\" href=\"#\" aria-label=\"Toggle FAQ: Where does Italy rank in terms of press freedom?\">\n                <h5 class=\"question\">Where does Italy rank in terms of press freedom?<\/h5>\n                <svg class=\"faq-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"8\" viewbox=\"0 0 14 8\" fill=\"none\">\n                    <path d=\"M13.6152 0.369517C13.3685 0.132903 13.0341 0 12.6855 0C12.3368 0 12.0024 0.132903 11.7557 0.369517L6.98417 4.95184L2.21262 0.369517C1.96321 0.146331 1.63333 0.024827 1.29248 0.0306025C0.951625 0.0363779 0.626413 0.168982 0.385357 0.400478C0.1443 0.631975 0.00621891 0.94429 0.00020504 1.27162C-0.00580883 1.59896 0.120714 1.91576 0.353117 2.15528L6.05442 7.63048C6.30111 7.8671 6.63551 8 6.98417 8C7.33283 8 7.66723 7.8671 7.91392 7.63048L13.6152 2.15528C13.8616 1.91837 14 1.59723 14 1.2624C14 0.927566 13.8616 0.606426 13.6152 0.369517Z\" fill=\"black\" \/>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/a>\n            <div class=\"card-expand\">\n                <p>In the 2026 Reporters Without Borders ranking, it is ranked 56th out of 180 countries\u2014down from 49th (2025) and 46th (2024).<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"list-wrapper\">\n            <a class=\"list-toogle\" href=\"#\" aria-label=\"Toggle FAQ: Why Did Italy Slip?\">\n                <h5 class=\"question\">Why has Italy fallen behind?<\/h5>\n                <svg class=\"faq-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"8\" viewbox=\"0 0 14 8\" fill=\"none\">\n                    <path d=\"M13.6152 0.369517C13.3685 0.132903 13.0341 0 12.6855 0C12.3368 0 12.0024 0.132903 11.7557 0.369517L6.98417 4.95184L2.21262 0.369517C1.96321 0.146331 1.63333 0.024827 1.29248 0.0306025C0.951625 0.0363779 0.626413 0.168982 0.385357 0.400478C0.1443 0.631975 0.00621891 0.94429 0.00020504 1.27162C-0.00580883 1.59896 0.120714 1.91576 0.353117 2.15528L6.05442 7.63048C6.30111 7.8671 6.63551 8 6.98417 8C7.33283 8 7.66723 7.8671 7.91392 7.63048L13.6152 2.15528C13.8616 1.91837 14 1.59723 14 1.2624C14 0.927566 13.8616 0.606426 13.6152 0.369517Z\" fill=\"black\" \/>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/a>\n            <div class=\"card-expand\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                <p>The report cites frivolous lawsuits against journalists, threats from organized crime, and political influence over the RAI.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"list-wrapper\">\n            <a class=\"list-toogle\" href=\"#\" aria-label=\"Toggle FAQ: What are &quot;querele temerarie&quot;?\">\n                <h5 class=\"question\">What are \"querele temerarie\"?<\/h5>\n                <svg class=\"faq-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"8\" viewbox=\"0 0 14 8\" fill=\"none\">\n                    <path d=\"M13.6152 0.369517C13.3685 0.132903 13.0341 0 12.6855 0C12.3368 0 12.0024 0.132903 11.7557 0.369517L6.98417 4.95184L2.21262 0.369517C1.96321 0.146331 1.63333 0.024827 1.29248 0.0306025C0.951625 0.0363779 0.626413 0.168982 0.385357 0.400478C0.1443 0.631975 0.00621891 0.94429 0.00020504 1.27162C-0.00580883 1.59896 0.120714 1.91576 0.353117 2.15528L6.05442 7.63048C6.30111 7.8671 6.63551 8 6.98417 8C7.33283 8 7.66723 7.8671 7.91392 7.63048L13.6152 2.15528C13.8616 1.91837 14 1.59723 14 1.2624C14 0.927566 13.8616 0.606426 13.6152 0.369517Z\" fill=\"black\" \/>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/a>\n            <div class=\"card-expand\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                <p>Abusive lawsuits intended to wear down journalists with legal costs and the burden of the proceedings\u2014known internationally as SLAPP.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"list-wrapper\">\n            <a class=\"list-toogle\" href=\"#\" aria-label=\"Toggle FAQ: Are journalists in Italy under police protection?\">\n                <h5 class=\"question\">Are journalists in Italy under police protection?<\/h5>\n                <svg class=\"faq-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"8\" viewbox=\"0 0 14 8\" fill=\"none\">\n                    <path d=\"M13.6152 0.369517C13.3685 0.132903 13.0341 0 12.6855 0C12.3368 0 12.0024 0.132903 11.7557 0.369517L6.98417 4.95184L2.21262 0.369517C1.96321 0.146331 1.63333 0.024827 1.29248 0.0306025C0.951625 0.0363779 0.626413 0.168982 0.385357 0.400478C0.1443 0.631975 0.00621891 0.94429 0.00020504 1.27162C-0.00580883 1.59896 0.120714 1.91576 0.353117 2.15528L6.05442 7.63048C6.30111 7.8671 6.63551 8 6.98417 8C7.33283 8 7.66723 7.8671 7.91392 7.63048L13.6152 2.15528C13.8616 1.91837 14 1.59723 14 1.2624C14 0.927566 13.8616 0.606426 13.6152 0.369517Z\" fill=\"black\" \/>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/a>\n            <div class=\"card-expand\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                <p>Yes, several dozen\u2014mainly because they report on organized crime.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"list-wrapper\">\n            <a class=\"list-toogle\" href=\"#\" aria-label=\"Toggle FAQ: What does &quot;lottizzazione&quot; mean?\">\n                <h5 class=\"question\">What does \"lottizzazione\" mean?<\/h5>\n                <svg class=\"faq-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"8\" viewbox=\"0 0 14 8\" fill=\"none\">\n                    <path d=\"M13.6152 0.369517C13.3685 0.132903 13.0341 0 12.6855 0C12.3368 0 12.0024 0.132903 11.7557 0.369517L6.98417 4.95184L2.21262 0.369517C1.96321 0.146331 1.63333 0.024827 1.29248 0.0306025C0.951625 0.0363779 0.626413 0.168982 0.385357 0.400478C0.1443 0.631975 0.00621891 0.94429 0.00020504 1.27162C-0.00580883 1.59896 0.120714 1.91576 0.353117 2.15528L6.05442 7.63048C6.30111 7.8671 6.63551 8 6.98417 8C7.33283 8 7.66723 7.8671 7.91392 7.63048L13.6152 2.15528C13.8616 1.91837 14 1.59723 14 1.2624C14 0.927566 13.8616 0.606426 13.6152 0.369517Z\" fill=\"black\" \/>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/a>\n            <div class=\"card-expand\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                <p>The distribution of management and editorial positions in public broadcasting among the political parties.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"list-wrapper\">\n            <a class=\"list-toogle\" href=\"#\" aria-label=\"Toggle FAQ: Is there censorship in Italy?\">\n                <h5 class=\"question\">Is there censorship in Italy?<\/h5>\n                <svg class=\"faq-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"8\" viewbox=\"0 0 14 8\" fill=\"none\">\n                    <path d=\"M13.6152 0.369517C13.3685 0.132903 13.0341 0 12.6855 0C12.3368 0 12.0024 0.132903 11.7557 0.369517L6.98417 4.95184L2.21262 0.369517C1.96321 0.146331 1.63333 0.024827 1.29248 0.0306025C0.951625 0.0363779 0.626413 0.168982 0.385357 0.400478C0.1443 0.631975 0.00621891 0.94429 0.00020504 1.27162C-0.00580883 1.59896 0.120714 1.91576 0.353117 2.15528L6.05442 7.63048C6.30111 7.8671 6.63551 8 6.98417 8C7.33283 8 7.66723 7.8671 7.91392 7.63048L13.6152 2.15528C13.8616 1.91837 14 1.59723 14 1.2624C14 0.927566 13.8616 0.606426 13.6152 0.369517Z\" fill=\"black\" \/>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/a>\n            <div class=\"card-expand\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                <p>No. Criticism of the government and those in power is published daily and without restriction; the criticism concerns pressure and the political climate, not censorship.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"list-wrapper\">\n            <a class=\"list-toogle\" href=\"#\" aria-label=\"Toggle FAQ: Is Italy at the bottom of the list in Western Europe?\">\n                <h5 class=\"question\">Is Italy at the bottom of the list in Western Europe?<\/h5>\n                <svg class=\"faq-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"8\" viewbox=\"0 0 14 8\" fill=\"none\">\n                    <path d=\"M13.6152 0.369517C13.3685 0.132903 13.0341 0 12.6855 0C12.3368 0 12.0024 0.132903 11.7557 0.369517L6.98417 4.95184L2.21262 0.369517C1.96321 0.146331 1.63333 0.024827 1.29248 0.0306025C0.951625 0.0363779 0.626413 0.168982 0.385357 0.400478C0.1443 0.631975 0.00621891 0.94429 0.00020504 1.27162C-0.00580883 1.59896 0.120714 1.91576 0.353117 2.15528L6.05442 7.63048C6.30111 7.8671 6.63551 8 6.98417 8C7.33283 8 7.66723 7.8671 7.91392 7.63048L13.6152 2.15528C13.8616 1.91837 14 1.59723 14 1.2624C14 0.927566 13.8616 0.606426 13.6152 0.369517Z\" fill=\"black\" \/>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/a>\n            <div class=\"card-expand\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                <p>According to the 2026 RSF rankings, yes\u2014Italy ranks last among Western European countries.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"list-wrapper\">\n            <a class=\"list-toogle\" href=\"#\" aria-label=\"Toggle FAQ: How reliable is the ranking?\">\n                <h5 class=\"question\">How reliable is the ranking?<\/h5>\n                <svg class=\"faq-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"8\" viewbox=\"0 0 14 8\" fill=\"none\">\n                    <path d=\"M13.6152 0.369517C13.3685 0.132903 13.0341 0 12.6855 0C12.3368 0 12.0024 0.132903 11.7557 0.369517L6.98417 4.95184L2.21262 0.369517C1.96321 0.146331 1.63333 0.024827 1.29248 0.0306025C0.951625 0.0363779 0.626413 0.168982 0.385357 0.400478C0.1443 0.631975 0.00621891 0.94429 0.00020504 1.27162C-0.00580883 1.59896 0.120714 1.91576 0.353117 2.15528L6.05442 7.63048C6.30111 7.8671 6.63551 8 6.98417 8C7.33283 8 7.66723 7.8671 7.91392 7.63048L13.6152 2.15528C13.8616 1.91837 14 1.59723 14 1.2624C14 0.927566 13.8616 0.606426 13.6152 0.369517Z\" fill=\"black\" \/>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/a>\n            <div class=\"card-expand\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                <p>It combines expert surveys with recorded incidents of assault and measures a general atmosphere rather than an exact figure\u2014which allows for year-to-year fluctuations.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"list-wrapper\">\n            <a class=\"list-toogle\" href=\"#\" aria-label=\"Toggle FAQ: Can I trust the Italian media?\">\n                <h5 class=\"question\">Can I trust the Italian media?<\/h5>\n                <svg class=\"faq-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"8\" viewbox=\"0 0 14 8\" fill=\"none\">\n                    <path d=\"M13.6152 0.369517C13.3685 0.132903 13.0341 0 12.6855 0C12.3368 0 12.0024 0.132903 11.7557 0.369517L6.98417 4.95184L2.21262 0.369517C1.96321 0.146331 1.63333 0.024827 1.29248 0.0306025C0.951625 0.0363779 0.626413 0.168982 0.385357 0.400478C0.1443 0.631975 0.00621891 0.94429 0.00020504 1.27162C-0.00580883 1.59896 0.120714 1.91576 0.353117 2.15528L6.05442 7.63048C6.30111 7.8671 6.63551 8 6.98417 8C7.33283 8 7.66723 7.8671 7.91392 7.63048L13.6152 2.15528C13.8616 1.91837 14 1.59723 14 1.2624C14 0.927566 13.8616 0.606426 13.6152 0.369517Z\" fill=\"black\" \/>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/a>\n            <div class=\"card-expand\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                <p>Yes, with the same care as always: read multiple sources with different perspectives and keep an eye on the owner.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"list-wrapper\">\n            <a class=\"list-toogle\" href=\"#\" aria-label=\"Toggle FAQ: Who represents journalists in Italy?\">\n                <h5 class=\"question\">Who represents journalists in Italy?<\/h5>\n                <svg class=\"faq-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"8\" viewbox=\"0 0 14 8\" fill=\"none\">\n                    <path d=\"M13.6152 0.369517C13.3685 0.132903 13.0341 0 12.6855 0C12.3368 0 12.0024 0.132903 11.7557 0.369517L6.98417 4.95184L2.21262 0.369517C1.96321 0.146331 1.63333 0.024827 1.29248 0.0306025C0.951625 0.0363779 0.626413 0.168982 0.385357 0.400478C0.1443 0.631975 0.00621891 0.94429 0.00020504 1.27162C-0.00580883 1.59896 0.120714 1.91576 0.353117 2.15528L6.05442 7.63048C6.30111 7.8671 6.63551 8 6.98417 8C7.33283 8 7.66723 7.8671 7.91392 7.63048L13.6152 2.15528C13.8616 1.91837 14 1.59723 14 1.2624C14 0.927566 13.8616 0.606426 13.6152 0.369517Z\" fill=\"black\" \/>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/a>\n            <div class=\"card-expand\" style=\"display: none;\">\n                <p>The professional association Ordine dei Giornalisti and the union FNSI.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\t\t    <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid\"><div class=\"jeg-vc-wrapper\"><div class=\"wpb_column jeg_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"jeg_wrapper wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"vc_empty_space\"   style=\"height: 32px\"><span class=\"vc_empty_space_inner\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid\"><div class=\"jeg-vc-wrapper\"><div class=\"wpb_column jeg_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"jeg_wrapper wpb_wrapper\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<div style=\"border: 1px solid #f1f1f1; padding: 15px;\">\n<h4>Sources<\/h4>\n<ol style=\"font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5;\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/rsf.org\/en\/country\/italy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Reporters Without Borders \u2013 Italy Country Profile (Index 2026)<\/a> (accessed July 2026)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.odg.it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Order of Journalists<\/a> (accessed July 2026)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fnsi.it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FNSI \u2013 National Federation of the Italian Press<\/a> (accessed July 2026)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Press freedom in Italy: 56th place in the 2026 Reporters Without Borders ranking\u2014the reasons, ranging from intimidation lawsuits to Mafia threats to the dispute over RAI.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":333582,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inwp_podcast_mp3":"","inwp_podcast_apple":"","inwp_podcast_spotify":"","inwp_podcast_youtube":"","inw_restaurant_url":"","inw_restaurant_lat":"","inw_restaurant_lng":"","in_event_type":"","in_event_featured":"","in_event_teaser":"","in_event_name":"","in_event_address":"","in_event_status":"","in_event_turnus":"","inw_hotel_email":"","inw_hotel_type":"","inw_hotel_name":"","inw_hotel_street":"","inw_hotel_zip":"","inw_hotel_city":"","inw_hotel_region":"","inw_hotel_country":"","inw_hotel_phone":"","inw_hotel_url":"","inw_hotel_lat":"","inw_hotel_lng":"","inw_hotel_pricerange":"","inw_hotel_stars":"","inw_hotel_amenities":"","in_event_start":"","in_event_end":"","in_event_time":"","in_event_time_end":"","in_event_location":"","in_event_city":"","in_event_region":"","in_event_price":"","in_event_organizer":"","in_event_url":"","in_event_sort":"","in_event_sort_end":"","jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":{"subtitle":"Platz 56 von 180: Warum Italien in der Rangliste der Pressefreiheit abgerutscht ist \u2013 Einsch\u00fcchterungsklagen, Mafia-Drohungen, Streit um die RAI \u2013 und was f\u00fcr das Land spricht.","format":"standard","jnews_video_option_group":[[]],"override":[{"template":"1","parallax":"1","fullscreen":"1","layout":"right-sidebar","sidebar":"default-sidebar","second_sidebar":"default-sidebar","sticky_sidebar":"1","share_position":"topbottom","share_float_style":"share-monocrhome","show_featured":"1","show_post_meta":"1","show_post_author":"1","show_post_author_image":"1","show_post_date":"1","post_date_format":"default","post_date_format_custom":"Y\/m\/d","show_post_category":"1","show_post_reading_time":"1","post_reading_time_wpm":"250","post_calculate_word_method":"str_word_count","show_zoom_button":"1","zoom_button_out_step":"2","zoom_button_in_step":"3","show_post_tag":"1","show_prev_next_post":"1","show_popup_post":"1","number_popup_post":"4","show_author_box":"1","show_post_related":"1"}],"image_override":[{"single_post_thumbnail_size":"crop-500","single_post_gallery_size":"crop-500"}],"trending_post_position":"meta","trending_post_label":"Trending","sponsored_post_label":"Sponsored 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