by InTrieste
From September 6th to 8th, Piazza Unità will host some of the most renowned voices in journalism for a series of panels, debates, and talks that will explore the present and future of media, politics, and society.
Prominent journalists such as Paolo Rumiz, Gianni Riotta, and Liliana Faccioli Pintozzi are scheduled to appear alongside cultural and political figures. The festival, organized by the Nord-Est Multimedia (NEM) Group and the Italian newspaper Il Piccolo, has long been a platform for reflection on global issues, from artificial intelligence’s impact on media to Europe’s political challenges.
A Forum for Thoughtful Dialogue
The Link Media Festival, supported by major partners including insurance giant Generali and shipbuilder Fincantieri, as well as local institutions, has become an intellectual hub for high-profile conversations on current affairs. This year’s event, hosted in the Link Arena, will delve into topics ranging from the future of journalism to geopolitics and the role of artificial intelligence in media and technology.
The festival’s opening day will feature the prestigious Crédit Agricole Testimoni della Storia award ceremony, honoring veteran journalist Giovanna Botteri. Botteri, who has reported from conflict zones and covered numerous international crises, will engage in conversation with Luca Ubaldeschi, Editor-in-Chief of NEM. Later, author and journalist Paolo Rumiz will present his latest book, “Verranno di notte. Lo spettro della barbarie in Europa” (They Will Come at Night: The Specter of Barbarism in Europe), reflecting on Europe’s evolving political and social challenges.
Tackling the Tough Issues
On Saturday, the festival will focus on some of the most pressing topics of the moment, including the intersection of artificial intelligence and journalism. In a much-anticipated panel, experts will discuss the ethical and practical implications of AI in the news industry. Speakers include Cristiano Degano, president of the Journalists’ Association of Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Beniamino Pagliaro, Editor at La Repubblica.
Another major highlight will be a discussion led by Liliana Faccioli Pintozzi, chief international editor at Sky TG24, about the struggle for women’s rights in Iran, Afghanistan, and the United States, as explored in her book, “Figlie di Eva”(Daughters of Eve).
Link Media Festival will also turn its attention to the world of sports journalism, hosting a panel that includes tennis legend and commentator Adriano Panatta. The talk will explore how sports journalism continues to evolve in the wake of major events such as the Paris Olympics and the European Football Championships.
A Platform for Aspiring Journalists
This year’s festival will introduce an exciting new initiative: the Link Academy. Aimed at university students from across Italy, the Academy will offer aspiring journalists the opportunity to learn from the best in the field. Sessions will feature Giovanna Botteri discussing war reporting and Francesco Cancellato, director of Fanpage.it, offering insights into digital journalism.
“This Academy represents an incredible opportunity for young people who are passionate about journalism,” said Michelangelo Morello, the Academy’s director. “We believe it’s crucial to train the next generation to distinguish between merely delivering news and providing quality information.”
Celebrating Excellence
In addition to the Crédit Agricole award, the festival will present the UNICEF Link Award to actor and comedian Lillo Petrolo, recognizing his commitment to raising awareness of global humanitarian issues. The award will be presented during a ceremony led by Laura Piazzi of Radio Capital and UNICEF Italia’s Director General, Paolo Rozera.
As the festival comes to a close on Sunday evening, the focus will turn to politics and the media’s role in shaping public opinion. Massimiliano Fedriga, president of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, will engage in a conversation with Paolo Possamai, NEM’s editorial director, on the intricacies of political communication.
Link Media Festival: A Catalyst for Discussion
In a world of rapidly changing media landscapes, Link Media Festival remains an essential forum for dialogue. Since its inception, the event has pushed boundaries and provided a space for serious discussion about the state of journalism, media, and their influence on democracy.
Francesca Fresa, the festival’s founder and artistic director, reflected on its continued importance: “Link Media Festival is a global agora—a space not just for recording the news but for engaging deeply with the narratives and reflections of our time.”
