Franceschini signs 'Reading Pact' (2)

(ANSA) - Rome, May 24 - 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."