He was celebrated as a defining voice in journalism and remembered for the relentless rigor that shaped the craft. Eugenio Scalfari passed away in Rome at the age of 98, leaving behind a vast legacy forged through decades of fearless reporting and thought-provoking editorials. His career with a daily publication began in an era when newspapers still wielded extraordinary influence, and his work consistently demonstrated how headlines and narrative shape public understanding. The impact of his articles extended well beyond the immediate news, inviting readers to consider what journalism stands for and what it could achieve in society.
In the early stages of his influence, during the opening days of a journalism school, Scalfari offered a clear, practical view of what the profession entails. With a poised bearing and a beard that gave him a thoughtful, almost austere air, he told aspiring writers that journalists are people who tell others what happens to people. The essence was simple: journalism is a conduit from events to public awareness, but also a space for interpretation and dialogue about those events.
His newspaper did more than report events; it reflected Scalfari’s own thoughts about what was happening in Italy and around the world. His personal editorials, often appearing on the front page, left a lasting mark on Italian public discourse. They showed how a newspaper could influence conversation by combining reporting with opinion in a way that invited readers to think, question, and decide.
Decades later, during a visit to a university campus, Scalfari spoke about journalism as a craft and a calling. He described it as a raw and demanding trade, shaped by the pressures of current events and the evolving media landscape. A memorable moment came when a line about the future of print media intersected with a global discussion: whether printed journalism would endure amid rapid digital change. He listened, then asked about the timing and certainty of such transitions, reminding listeners that prediction is part of the journalist’s work, but so is adapting to change as it unfolds.
Evidence suggests that the era of paper journalism faced doubts about its longevity, yet Scalfari’s work endured in many forms. Libraries and archives preserve the printed and digital records that document the evolution of journalism, ensuring that the conversations sparked by his reporting continue to be accessible. He valued the enduring role of the newspaper website and digital platforms, even as he remained skeptical about any single future for the profession.
Across Italy, Scalfari was a prominent and influential figure in journalism. His reach and the impression he left were marked by a strong, sometimes unsettling honesty about the field. He acknowledged that the trade could be brutal and that describing people clearly sometimes required revealing uncomfortable truths. His observations suggested that a journalist’s task extends beyond narration to accountability—an ethical challenge that keeps the profession honest even when it is under pressure.
The private lives of individuals featured in reporting were respected as a principle, and Scalfari believed that respect should guide public discourse. In discussing the survival of journalism, he invoked a compass of credibility: print and digital outlets must earn and sustain public trust, while embracing new technologies that expand reach. He anticipated that the industry would undergo significant restructuring as audiences migrate online, yet he saw an ongoing value in established brands as anchors for reliable information.
As their conversation concluded, the idea of guiding others outward into the world remained with him. He spoke of continuing work, mentorship, and the energy he drew from helping others navigate the shifting media environment. He was not merely a commentator or a critic; he was a steward of a profession that thrives when it remains curious, principled, and open to new methods of storytelling.