"The progressive reduction of the press sales network is not merely an economic or commercial problem. It is a matter of public interest that concerns information pluralism, territorial cohesion, and the quality of our democracy. We ask the Regions to consider supporting the newsstand network as a strategic investment to guarantee all citizens the right to professional, verified, and pluralistic information." With this message, Andrea Riffeser Monti, President of the Italian Federation of Newspaper Publishers (FIEG), spoke today during a hearing before the Economic Development Committee of the Conference of Regions and Autonomous Provinces, along with the newsstand unions.

During the hearing, Fieg outlined a package of proposals aimed at countering the progressive impoverishment of the sales network, especially on the outskirts of cities, in small towns, and in inland, mountainous, and peripheral areas, where newsstands often represent one of the last remaining repositories of service and citizenship.

The priorities outlined include simplifying the rules for selling printed matter, involving local businesses, establishing permanent regional financial support programs for outlets, recognizing the distribution and sale of printed matter as activities of general interest, and specific interventions for the most vulnerable areas.

"Protecting pluralism," Riffeser emphasized, "is not just about the production of editorial content, but also the ability to effectively reach all citizens. It is in this area that we ask the Regions to take a leading role , complementing state interventions with structural policies to support the network of newsstands and press distribution companies."

(Unioneonline)

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