Culture Minister Dario
Franceschini on Tuesday signed a new 'Pact for Reading' with the
heads of Italy's top TV networks - Mediaset, La7, SKY, Discovery
and State broadcaster RAI.
The pact obliges the networks to "create opportunities to
promote reading and books inside every kind of programme".
"We have great programmes for strong readers but the main
need is to arrive at those who don't read," Franceschini said.
"The agreement we have signed has precise commitments to
bring reading into more general programming, and not only the
programmes for strong readers. That's an important fact.
"Reading is good for the mind, for the soul, helps
cultural consumption....The TV can do an awful lot for young
people, but not only for them".
RAI Director-General Antonio Campo Dall'Orto said "in a
world that is gradually fragmenting the TV can use its strength
as mass media to accompany requests for access to stories via
reading. The model that held true for so many ìyears has been
overturned".
Mediaset President Fedele Confalonieri said "Today we are
all public service. It is very positive. It's the first time
something like this has happened, compliments to the minister."
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