Italy’s Media Landscape: Concerns Over Proposed Sale of La Repubblica and La Stampa

Recently, Italy’s parliament has called on executives from GEDI, the publisher of renowned newspapers La Repubblica and La Stampa, to discuss the potential sale of these publications to Greece’s Antenna Group. This hearing, announced by Federico Mollicone, the head of the parliamentary media committee, comes amidst a backdrop of strikes and growing apprehension within newsrooms, as negotiations are ongoing between GEDI, owned by the Agnelli family’s Exor holding, and the Greek bidder, Theodore Kyriakou.

The Background of the Sale

This sale has garnered significant public attention due to the buyer’s controversial background. Kyriakou, a prominent media and shipping entrepreneur, is the son of Minos Kyriakou, founder of Antenna, which operates ANT1 TV, a leading Greek television network. An independent Greek newspaper has characterized him as an “ultra-conservative Berlusconi of the Balkans,” highlighting his connections to influential figures, including former US President Donald Trump. In spring 2025, Kyriakou attended a high-profile dinner in Doha hosted by the Emir of Qatar, reportedly discussing commercial and political matters privately.

Confirmation of Sale and Future Plans

Last week, John Elkann, chairman of the Gedi Group, informed staff that exclusive negotiations with Antenna were underway. The deal is said to be valued at approximately €140 million. A source close to Antenna mentioned the group’s “ambitious expansion goals” that might involve internationalizing the newspapers’ editorial brands, which could potentially create new jobs in the medium term. However, specifics regarding how this strategy will be implemented and how editorial independence will be safeguarded remain unclear.

Controversies Surrounding the Sale

La Repubblica, established in Rome in 1976, is known for its center-left stance and pro-European reporting. Meanwhile, La Stampa, one of the oldest Italian newspapers founded in 1867, has traditionally mirrored the liberal and moderate values of the country’s northern industrial regions. Together, these newspapers rank among Italy’s five best-selling dailies, with La Repubblica selling around 96,000 copies daily and La Stampa about 59,000 copies, according to ADS data. Both are part of the Gedi Group, which also manages the Italian version of HuffPost and three national radio stations, employing nearly 1,300 individuals.

Editorial Integrity at Stake

Both publications have taken a critical stance toward Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s administration, as well as toward figures like Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. This has raised concerns that foreign ownership might compromise their editorial independence. These fears have intensified considering Antenna’s financial ties to entities with significant political connections abroad. Notably, in 2022, the Saudi Public Investment Fund acquired a 30% stake in Antenna, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations, which view the fund as a tool for Saudi Arabia’s soft power.

Political Response and Public Backlash

The proposed sale has also caught international attention, with Russia’s embassy in Rome commenting that it hopes the newspapers will abandon their “anti-Russian propaganda” under new ownership. In response, La Repubblica’s editorial board labeled this statement a “serious act of interference” and reaffirmed its commitment to challenging false narratives from authoritarian figures. Opposition leaders have criticized these remarks, with calls for the government to invoke its “golden power” to block foreign acquisitions that threaten national interests.

In Turin, where La Stampa has deep historical roots, the news of the sale has stirred strong feelings among the public. Readers expressed their discontent, while the city’s archbishop emphasized the importance of free press in a delicate democratic environment. Strikes initiated by journalists from both newspapers have demanded assurances regarding job security and editorial integrity. Reports suggest that Kyriakou does not plan to retain La Stampa, intending to find a different buyer before finalizing the sale early next year.

Conclusion

The proposed sale of La Repubblica and La Stampa to the Antenna Group poses significant implications for Italy’s media landscape, raising critical questions about editorial independence and the possibility of foreign influence in national journalism. As the situation unfolds, the concerns voiced by the public and media professionals alike will be pivotal in shaping the future of these iconic newspapers.

Key Takeaways

• Italy’s parliament is questioning the sale of La Repubblica and La Stampa to Greece’s Antenna Group.
• Concerns arise over the editorial independence of these newspapers under foreign ownership.
• La Repubblica and La Stampa are among Italy’s top-selling newspapers, each with a rich history and cultural significance.
• Public backlash and editorial strikes highlight the emotional connection to these publications and the demand for transparency in media ownership.