Circo Massimo – Lo spettacolo della politica

Episode: I giornali, la Repubblica e i valori che non si vendono
Host: Massimo Giannini
Date: December 14, 2025

Overview

In this episode, Massimo Giannini reflects on the shifting ownership of Italy’s historic editorial group Gedi, publisher of La Repubblica, analyzing the implications for journalism, media pluralism, and democracy. He contrasts the proclaimed “non vendibilità” of Juventus by the Agnelli family with their willingness to sell a symbolic pillar of Italian information and culture. The episode is a passionate meditation on the intrinsic values of journalism, the decline of editorial independence, and the real cost of letting iconic institutions be traded as commodities.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. “Ogni uomo ha un prezzo”: The Philosophy of Selling (00:41)

• Giannini opens by quoting Enrico Cuccia:

  “Ogni uomo ha un prezzo.”
  (Every man has a price.)

• This maxim is used to introduce the sale of Gedi—not an individual this time, but an “immensa realtà editoriale” with profound historic and cultural weight.

2. The Agnelli Family and the Juxtaposition of Values (01:34)

• Giannini plays and analyzes John Elkann’s public statement on the Juventus football club:

  “La Juventus, la nostra storia, i nostri valori non sono in vendita.” – John Elkann [01:34]

• He notes the paradox: the Agnelli family claims its values and history (embodied in Juventus) are not for sale, yet proceeds to sell Gedi—a group foundational to Italian media and public discourse.

3. The Gedi Group: From Foundation to Dismantling (02:31)

• Historical context: Gedi, formed by legends like Eugenio Scalfari and Carlo Caracciolo, built a media empire that shaped Italy through innovation and cultural leadership.
• A nostalgia-tinged recounting of Gedi’s legacy, with special emphasis on:
  • Launch of Repubblica (1976)
  • Growth into local papers, radio, digital (Cataweb/Repubblica.it)
• Critique of Elkann’s stewardship since 2020:
  • “Nel corso dei decenni il gruppo Espresso Repubblica ha accompagnato, ma in molti casi trainato, la trasformazione culturale, politica, economica, sociale di questo paese.” – Giannini [03:40]
  • In just five years, “restano praticamente quasi solo le macerie”:
    local newspapers sold, key brands diminished, digital primacy lost.

4. The Mystery of the New Owner and Editorial Autonomy at Risk (05:45)

• The group is being sold to Greek shipping magnate Chiriaku (“del quale qui in Italia si sa poco o nulla”), with no clear guarantees about independence, editorial policy, or jobs.
• Editorial teams are alarmed—some are striking.
• Central question posed:

  “Qual è il prezzo che paga il paese? Qual è il prezzo che paga il pluralismo dell’informazione?... Qual è il prezzo che paga la democrazia?” – Giannini [08:53]

• Giannini worries that, especially with an upcoming election year, further concentration or foreign control of media could deepen the current alignment to right-wing power in Italy.

5. The Special Meaning of Repubblica for Its Readers (06:15)

• Unlike other papers, Repubblica’s readers choose it for “identità, visione del mondo… orientamenti politici, preferenze culturali, in una parola, principi e valori.”
• Elkann “avrebbe dovuto saperlo” upon buying the group: that it was much more than an ordinary business asset or brand.

6. The Symbolism and Future of Italian Journalism (09:25)

• Giannini references the 50th anniversary of Repubblica’s founding (January 14, 1976):
  • “Il Palazzo del Potere è ancora una volta vuoto... al fondo il senso è uguale. È la stessa cosa.”
  • He laments that the paper may not be able to continue “a raccontarlo, come fece in quel lontano 1976.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Enrico Cuccia’s maxim:

  “Ogni uomo ha un prezzo.” [00:41]

• John Elkann’s declaration (Juventus):

  “La Juventus, la nostra storia, i nostri valori non sono in vendita.” [01:34]

• Giannini, on the end of an era:

  “Dal grande gruppo editoriale, spiace dirlo, ma restano praticamente quasi solo le macerie…” [04:25]

• On readers' loyalty to Repubblica:

  “Chi ha comprato Repubblica... lo fa perché di quel giornale condivide l'identità, la visione del mondo… principi e valori.” [06:15]

• On the threat to democracy:

  “Qual è il prezzo che paga la democrazia?... Il pluralismo dell’informazione?” [08:53]

• Closing reflection:

  “Il palazzo del potere è vuoto. E quello che, purtroppo, non sappiamo più essere pubblica, potrà continuare a raccontarlo, come fece in quel lontano 1976.” [09:25]

Important Timestamps

• 00:41 – Opening with Cuccia’s maxim and introduction of the sale
• 01:34 – Elkann’s public declaration on non-vendibility of Juventus
• 02:31 – Analysis of the Gedi group’s history and decline
• 05:45 – The sale to Chiriaku and concerns about future autonomy
• 06:15 – On the unique bond between Repubblica and its readers
• 08:53 – The impact on democracy and media pluralism
• 09:25 – Reflection on the 50th anniversary and uncertain future

Tone and Style

The episode is somber, analytical, and at times indignant. Giannini uses historical references, rhetorical questions, and direct critique to emphasize the irreplaceable cultural value of journalism. His language is passionate yet precise, conveying a deep sense of loss and urgency about the consequences of treating press institutions as mere assets.