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We formed the Pannunzio
Society for the freedom of information, among those who care
about the fate of what Kant called “freedom of the pen,” and who
intend to discuss and advance plans for reform inspired by the
principles and criteria set out in the Blue Book.
The Pannunzio Society
is an association that does not stop at an account of ideas, but
is also committed to practical action in reporting the
continuous violations, by now widely tolerated, of the current
legislation. The Society does not limit itself to analysis,
debate and concrete proposals, but will adopt, in Italy and
Europe, all appropriate tools to pursue its goals of freedom.
The “Society” is
inspired by the “Société des Amis de la liberté et de la presse”
that arose in France in November 1817. Joined by such figures as
Benjamin Constant, Achille de Broglie, Paul-Louis Courier, Jean-Baptiste
Say, the Société, through a frenetic activity of appeals,
petitions, letters and subscriptions to pay the penalty fines
that opposition newspapers were assessed, was able to influence
the reform of French legislation on the press. The experience
was historically important because, for the first time, people
formed associations to fight for the freedom of expression,
showing that they understood that in their time – as in our time
– freedom of expression assumed a strategic importance. Indeed,
the attacks on freedom of the newest forms of communication can
be seen as similar to those suffered by the printed press at the
birth of that medium. |
The Pannunzio Society
also takes inspiration from the civil battles conducted by
“Il Mondo” ("The World") newspaper and by its editor and
founder, Mario Pannunzio, as well as by the “Salvemini
Movement.”
The Pannunzio Society
does not support any political party, and invites as members all
those European citizens, across the entire political and
ideological spectrum, who are concerned about the miserable
state of information.
The Pannunzio Society,
which grows by cooptation and by the membership of supporters,
has determined that journalists may not exceed one-third of the
membership, precisely to underscore that the Society's action is
alien to the corporate spirit and concerns every conscious
citizen.
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