President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella has said that a free and independent press is a cornerstone of democracy, stressing that journalists are “witnesses of truth” rather than storytellers tasked with making narratives appear credible.
Speaking at the Quirinale Palace during a meeting with a delegation of journalism students, Mattarella underlined the role of journalism as a safeguard against manipulation and pseudo-truths circulating on digital platforms.
He urged future journalists to uphold professional responsibility, rigorously verify facts, and respect ethical standards, noting that citizens’ right to accurate and pluralistic information is protected by Article 21 of the Italian Constitution.
The President also warned about the risks posed by artificial intelligence and the spread of disinformation, calling for rules to ensure that technology remains at the service of humanity.
Addressing the students, Mattarella said that in a world marked by war and global tensions, journalists have a duty to “clear the clouds” by consistently affirming the truth of reality.