The Italian media landscape is developed and has a wide range of media outlets that guarantee a diversity of opinions. The broadcast sector includes several public TV channels (such as Rai 1) and radio stations, as well as many privately owned media outlets. This diversity is also found in the print media, which includes nearly 20 dailies (such as Corriere della Sera and La Repubblica), about 50 weeklies (such as L'Espresso and Famiglia Cristiana), and many magazines and various news websites.

For the most part, Italian journalists enjoy a climate of freedom. But they sometimes give in to self-censorship, either to conform to their news organisation’s editorial line, or to avoid a defamation suit or other form of legal action. This can be aggravated for crime and court reporters by the “legge bavaglio” advocated by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s ruling coalition, which prohibits the publication of a provisional detention order until the end of the preliminary court hearing. 

A degree of legislative paralysis is holding back the adoption of various bills that have been proposed to preserve and even improve journalistic freedom. This partly explains the limitations that some reporters encounter in their work. The criminalisation of defamation and the numerous SLAPP procedures limit journalistic freedom. 

As a result of the economic crisis, the media are increasingly dependent on advertising revenue and state subsidies. The print media is also facing a gradual decline in sales. The result is a growing precariousness that dangerously undermines journalism, its dynamism and its autonomy.

The polarisation of society during the Covid-19 pandemic has affected journalists, who have been victims of both verbal and physical attacks during protests against health measures. This polarisation persists, crystallising around political or ideological issues related to current events.

Journalists who investigate organised crime and corruption are systematically threatened and sometimes subjected to physical violence for their investigative work. Their cars or homes are sometimes destroyed by arson. Online intimidation campaigns are orchestrated against those who pursue these issues. About twenty journalists currently live under permanent police protection after being the targets of intimidation and attacks.