Italy has dropped three places in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, falling from 46th to 49th position, according to the annual report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The Paris-based NGO warns that journalists in Italy continue to face significant threats, particularly from mafia groups and political interference. The announcement comes ahead of World Press Freedom Day on 3 May.
In its country factsheet, RSF states: “Freedom of the press in Italy continues to be threatened by mafia organisations, particularly in the south of the country, as well as by various small, violent extremist groups.” The report also highlights political efforts to obstruct coverage of judicial affairs through a controversial “gag law”, which adds to the already frequent use of SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) in Italy.
Alessandra Costante, Secretary General of the FNSI (Italian National Press Federation), responded strongly to the report. “The process of Orbanization of Italian information continues inexorably, as the RSF rankings show,” she said. “Italian information is caught between threats from the underworld and actions to freeze media freedom carried out without interruption by Parliament. In a year nothing has changed, if anything there have been worsenings.”
She also criticised the government for failing to eliminate prison terms for press defamation. “While the Italian Parliament is studying how to get its hands on the Journalists Guild, it is doing nothing to abolish prison for defamation through the press,” she added.
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A complex media landscape
RSF acknowledges the diversity of Italy’s media landscape, which includes public broadcasters like Rai 1, major daily newspapers such as Corriere della Sera and La Repubblica, weeklies like L’Espresso, and a wide range of news websites. Despite this variety, journalists face pressure to self-censor, whether to align with their outlet’s editorial line or to avoid legal consequences.
The so-called legge bavaglio (gag law), introduced by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s coalition, restricts publication of provisional detention orders until the end of the preliminary hearing. This, RSF says, has added to concerns over transparency and freedom to report on legal matters.
Legal and economic pressures
RSF also notes that legislative deadlock is preventing the adoption of measures to safeguard press freedom. Legal actions for defamation, along with SLAPPs, continue to restrict investigative journalism. Economically, the media sector is struggling with declining print sales and growing reliance on advertising and state subsidies.
The recent announcement that Antonio Angelucci, a lawmaker from the ruling coalition, plans to acquire the national news agency Agenzia Giornalistica Italiana has further raised alarms. Angelucci already owns several major newspapers, and his expanding media portfolio poses “a threat of media concentration and conflicts of interest,” according to RSF.
A risky job
Investigative reporters in Italy remain at high risk, particularly those covering organised crime and corruption. RSF reports that these journalists face regular intimidation, physical attacks, and even arson. Some 20 journalists currently live under permanent police protection due to threats received while carrying out their work.
The report concludes that although no journalists have been killed or imprisoned so far in 2025, the conditions for media professionals in Italy remain precarious, with systemic threats continuing to undermine press freedom.
