The Florence Charter: Journalism and Its Many Forms Begin Here

On October 7th and 8th, Florence will be the stage for a special event for Italian journalism: theCharter of Florence, a new ethical code for journalists that aims to restore dignity to the profession. The “Charter of Florence” will be a tool of assurance, an innovative code of ethics for today’s journalists, designed to strengthen their relationship with readers and publishers. The Charter of Florence is an initiative of the National Order of Journalists, the National Federation of the Italian Press, the Tuscan Order of Journalists, and Assostampa Toscana.

The National Autonomous Work Commission of FNSI (CLAN, by its acronym), of which I am a member, has also (rightly) been involved, given the expertise of the Federation and commission members. The event is set for next autumn, but before arriving in Florence, there is still a long way to go, which will involve information professionals.

To the Charter of Florence all journalists, whether publicists or professionals, will be able to contribute, as they daily clash with the new changes and the old ways that resist them. From precarious journalists’ groups to freelancers, from collaborators to contracted staff, the Charter of Florence needs everyone. The strongest (contracted journalists) will need to exercise responsibility so that their contribution supports those without a contract, who are forced to live daily with precariousness or as freelance journalists who often cannot claim any rights, not even that of practicing the profession.

“We don’t have in mind a wall of lamentations event,” said Enzo Iacopino of the Order of Journalists and FNSI president Roberto Natale “After a long preparatory work, it’s time to send a strong signal to demand, even within ourselves and among colleagues, dignity, collaboration, and rights for genuine quality in national information.”

To support the Charter of Florence an internet campaign and a social media plan with word-of-mouth, seminars, and workshops will be launched, because Italian journalism wants to restart from the ground up.