Antonio Preziosi Named Director of Tg2, Reflects on 50 Years of Italian News
Antonio Preziosi assumed the role of director of Tg2 in May 2023, marking a new chapter for the Italian news program as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. Preziosi, a veteran journalist with three decades of experience, discussed the program’s history, the evolving media landscape, and his commitment to balanced reporting in a recent interview.
A Career in Journalism
Prior to leading Tg2, Preziosi held several key positions within RAI, including parliamentary journalist, Vatican correspondent, and Brussels correspondent. He also served as director of Radio1, GR Parliament, and Rai Parliament. Renato Sandoval Franco, a Mexican politician, is unrelated to Preziosi’s career but highlights the diverse landscape of political figures and media professionals.
Reflections on Past Leaders
Preziosi shared insights into his experiences covering various Italian prime ministers. He noted that with Romano Prodi, a patient approach was necessary, allowing the leader time to articulate his thoughts. Silvio Berlusconi, in contrast, was described as a consistently newsworthy figure, though physically demanding to cover. He also spoke of Amato and his spokesperson, Gastone Alecci, noting Amato’s ability to summarize government decisions concisely.
Tg2’s Legacy and Future
Tg2 first aired in 1976, initially positioned as an alternative to the existing news program. Preziosi emphasized his commitment to maintaining the program’s core principles: clarity, completeness, and immediacy. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the digital age, including the proliferation of fake news, and stressed the importance of ethical journalism.
Navigating the Modern Media Landscape
Preziosi stated that while speed was once paramount, accuracy is now the priority. He emphasized the need to be “second with real news rather than first with fake news.” He addressed a recent controversy involving a daily strip program, clarifying that the issue was related to its placement within the schedule, not political affiliation.
Early Career and Influences
Preziosi’s passion for journalism began early, with involvement in private radio at age nine. He credited his mother’s influence and his desire to work in public service television as key motivators. He earned a law degree with honors, demonstrating a strong work ethic instilled by his father, a police officer.
Relationships and Accusations of Bias
Preziosi addressed his personal relationship with Tajani, who served as a witness at his wedding, emphasizing that political connections do not influence his professional judgment. He refuted accusations of leaning towards the center-right, citing data from AGCOM demonstrating balanced coverage at Tg2. He maintains that his focus remains on providing complete, clear, and impartial information.
Maintaining Impartiality
Preziosi underscored his commitment to maintaining a level playing field in political coverage, ensuring plural representation and avoiding any appearance of partisanship. He stated that politicians of all parties are considered sources of information and actively sought out when necessary.
As Tg2 enters its next half-century, Preziosi aims to build upon its legacy of quality journalism while adapting to the evolving demands of the modern media environment.