La giusta distanza? La prospettiva ravvicinata della stampa locale nella rappresentazione della violenza di genere
Author(s)
Date Issued
2025
Type
article
Issue
3
Start Page
21
End Page
29
Journal
Abstract
This article examines the representation of gender-based violence (GBV) in Italian local versus national press. Despite the digital shift, local media remains a cornerstone of community identity. Analyzing data from the STEP Observatories (2025), the study highlights a “paradox of proximity”. While local outlets offer greater coverage of intimate partner violence due to its high local newsworthiness, this proximity often compromises narrative quality. Local reporting frequently resorts to sensationalism and defensive stereotypes – such as the “raptus” frame or victim-blaming – to distance the community from the violence. Conversely, the national press displays stronger adherence to ethical standards, prioritizing the victim’s agency. The study also explores the “hybrid” nature of the Roman press, which sits between these two poles. Ultimately, the findings underscore a significant ethical gap. The paper argues that the advanced training and deontological codes successfully adopted by national media must be urgently extended to local newsrooms. Ensuring this knowledge transfer is vital to prevent local journalism – a key civic institution – from perpetuating toxic narratives.
Subjects