Unbound: The Voices of a Lost Generation of Italian Journalists
A Podcast Series by Francesca Maria Lorenzini
A message for you, our listener:
I came up with the idea of “Unbound” in November 2024, shortly after moving to Jordan to report on the Middle East for English-language outlets. Fresh out of Columbia Journalism School, I found myself reflecting on the limitations I had felt within Italian media—how it never seemed like a space where I could do the kind of journalism I aspired to.
Back in 2022, while applying to journalism schools, I already knew I couldn’t see a future for myself as a journalist in Italy. The industry felt stagnant, closed off, and riddled with structural barriers. I realized this wasn’t just a personal feeling—it was part of a broader sense of disillusionment that had shaped my generation. Since I was a teenager, I felt the only way to chase my dreams was to leave Italy and pursue opportunities in English-language media. That feeling has only grown stronger over time.
It’s a sentiment shared by many. In the last 15 years, thousands of Italians have left the country in search of better job prospects, and only a small percentage has returned. For young journalists, the frustration runs particularly deep. Some move abroad to find work in more dynamic media environments; others stay and try to survive in a system defined by precarious contracts, poor pay, and a culture of self-censorship.
“Unbound” was born from a need to tell these stories. This three-part podcast gives voice to the struggles and hopes of young Italian journalists navigating an uncertain future. What struck me most in making it was their determination: despite everything, they keep pushing forward, trying to make space for themselves in the field they love.
You can find the full transcripts of each episode on my Substack profile.
Trailer
Episode 1 - Beyond Borders
Episode 2 - Within Borders
Episode 3 - Breaking the Frame