Portugal – (C4) Journalism professionalism
Professional ethos is not too strong in absolute terms, considering the heterogeneity of the professional group. Professionalism is sometimes compromised by a lack of resources.
Indicators: Control / Watchdog
Portugal – (C3) Transparency of data on leading news media
Information on news media exists and is easily accessible, namely after the creation of a “Transparency Portal”.
Portugal – (C2) Independence of the news media from powerholders
Various laws and regulations guarantee some independence, but real practice shows some difficulties.
Portugal – (C1) Supervising the watchdog ‘control of controllers’
There are institutionalised mechanisms to control media performance as a watchdog, but these issues are not very present in public debates.
Italy – (C9) Watchdog function and financial resources
Investigative journalism is acknowledged and valued, also by professionals. However, the limited availability of financial and organisational resources constrains this function to being a niche component of editorial routines. Transnational partnerships (like Lena and European Investigative Collaboration) and civic initiatives partly compensate for the limited support by media companies for investigative practices.
Italy – (C8) Professional training
Professional training is mostly provided by the twelve schools across the country that are recognised by the Order of Journalists, and by sustained activities of the Order itself. Media companies differ widely in terms of their investment in courses and training.
Italy – (C7) The watchdog and the media’s mission statement
Investigative journalism is one of the missions of the news media. In spite of formal recognition and specific efforts in practice, media formats and daily news agenda often put constraints on this core news media function.
Italy – (C6) Practice of access to information
Recent meaningful developments have recognised the principle of freedom to access public information (law decree 97/2016) and therefore strengthened the possibility for citizens and journalists to access public information. Despite the promises of open government, access to information presents numerous shortcomings. During the Covid-19 pandemic, even the possibility to monitor public administration’s acts was reduced.
Italy – (C5) Journalist’s job security
Job security varies a lot between the different categories of journalists, as well as in relation to where in the country the profession is exercised. Many gaps are found in terms of payments and protection schemes.
Italy – (C4) Journalism professionalism
The requirements to access the newsrooms are selective, although the professionalisation of Italian journalists is generally not high and mostly not related to their educational background. Younger professionals are expected to have many skills and competences – editing, writing, screen, and radio – and are requested to perform many tasks, though mostly occupying precarious positions.
