L'Espresso

L'Espresso. An influential Italian weekly magazine founded in Rome in 1955, renowned for its in-depth investigative journalism and political commentary. Established by Eugenio Scalfari, Arrigo Benedetti, and Livio Zanetti, it quickly became a flagship publication of the Italian centre-left, often challenging the political and corporate establishment. Owned by the GEDI Gruppo Editoriale, it is a sister publication to the national daily la Repubblica and maintains a significant digital presence alongside its print edition.

History

The magazine was launched in October 1955, with its first issue published on October 2. Its founders, including future la Repubblica founder Eugenio Scalfari, envisioned a publication modeled on American news magazines like Time and Newsweek, adapted for the Italian context. During the 1960s and 1970s, it played a crucial role in Italy's political landscape, notably through its investigations into the Strategy of Tension and its coverage of events like the Piazza Fontana bombing. The magazine was instrumental in the 1974 divorce referendum campaign, advocating for the "yes" vote against the stance of the Christian Democracy. In 1976, Scalfari left to found la Repubblica, and the magazine later became part of the GEDI Gruppo Editoriale, owned by the Agnelli family through Exor.

Content and features

The publication is known for its rigorous investigative journalism, covering politics, current affairs, economics, and culture. Each issue typically includes feature-length reports, interviews with prominent figures from parliament to the European Commission, and analytical columns. A hallmark is its annual "Veleni" ("Poisons") investigation, which exposes corruption and malpractice. It also features literary criticism, reviews of Italian cinema and television, and supplements on topics like travel and finance. Its iconic "L'Espresso" logo and distinctive layout have made it a recognizable staple in Italian media.

Political stance and influence

Traditionally aligned with centre-left and radical positions, it has been a vocal critic of Silvio Berlusconi and his governments, publishing numerous investigations into his business empire, Mediaset. The magazine has also scrutinized the Vatican, the Mafia, and various political scandals, including Mani pulite. Its editorial line generally supports European integration, secularism, and progressive social policies, influencing intellectual and political discourse within the Democratic Party and broader Italian society.

Notable journalists and contributors

Over the decades, the magazine has hosted an array of distinguished writers and reporters. Its founders, Eugenio Scalfari and Arrigo Benedetti, set its early tone. Notable figures include investigative journalist Lelio Lagorio, who covered major political events, and satirist Giovanni Guareschi. Contemporary contributors have included political commentator Marco Travaglio, known for his anti-corruption work, and writers like Umberto Eco and Oriana Fallaci, whose provocative interviews with world leaders like Henry Kissinger and Ayatollah Khomeini gained international attention. Editors such as Claudio Rinaldi and Bruno Manfellotto have also shaped its direction.

Circulation and digital presence

Historically, it achieved peak print circulation in the late 1970s and 1980s, often exceeding 300,000 copies weekly, rivaling publications like Corriere della Sera's weekly supplements. Like many print media, its circulation has declined in the 21st century, but it maintains a loyal readership. Its digital platform, espresso.repubblica.it, offers daily news updates, multimedia content, and access to archival investigations, significantly expanding its reach. The magazine is also active on social media platforms and is part of the digital subscription bundle offered by GEDI Gruppo Editoriale, which includes la Repubblica and local newspapers.

Category:Weekly magazines published in Italy Category:1955 establishments in Italy Category:Publications established in 1955