Alessandro Sallusti is a significant figure in the Italian media landscape, known for his robust career as a journalist and editor. Born on February 2, 1957, in Como, Italy, Sallusti’s journey in the media industry has been marked by his outspoken nature, editorial leadership, and involvement in various legal controversies that have made him a notable public figure in Italy.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Alessandro Sallusti was born and raised in Como, a city in northern Italy known for its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage. His early life was relatively modest, but it was clear from a young age that he had a passion for journalism and the written word. This passion led him to pursue a career in journalism, a field where he would later leave an indelible mark.
In 1981, Sallusti became a professional journalist, marking the official beginning of his career. His early years in journalism were spent learning the ropes and developing his voice, which would later become one of the most recognized in Italian media. By 1987, Sallusti had secured a position at “Il Giornale,” a major Italian newspaper. This was a pivotal moment in his career, as “Il Giornale” was then under the leadership of Indro Montanelli, one of Italy’s most revered journalists.
Rise to Prominence
Working at “Il Giornale” under Montanelli’s guidance provided Sallusti with invaluable experience. During his tenure, he honed his skills as a writer and editor, and his career began to gain momentum. After his time at “Il Giornale,” Sallusti expanded his horizons by working for several other prominent publications. He contributed to “Il Messaggero,” a leading newspaper in Rome, and “Avvenire,” a Catholic daily. These roles allowed him to diversify his experience and build a reputation as a versatile journalist.
Sallusti also worked for “Corriere della Sera,” one of Italy’s oldest and most respected newspapers. His work at “Corriere della Sera” further solidified his standing in the Italian media, providing him with a platform to reach a broader audience.
Leadership Roles and Editorial Influence
Alessandro Sallusti’s career took a significant turn when he began taking on leadership roles within various newspapers. He became the deputy editor of “Il Gazzettino” in Venice, where he demonstrated his ability to manage a newsroom and guide the editorial direction of a major publication. This role was a precursor to his later work as the director of “La Provincia,” a newspaper based in his hometown of Como.
Sallusti’s reputation as a strong editorial leader was further cemented when he joined “Libero,” a right-leaning newspaper that is known for its provocative and often controversial stance on political and social issues. At “Libero,” Sallusti initially served as co-director and later as the editor-in-chief. His leadership at “Libero” was marked by his unapologetic editorial style and his willingness to engage in heated debates on issues of national importance.
In July 2008, Sallusti left “Libero” to take on the directorship of “L’Ordine,” a newspaper that had previously been under the Curia of Como. His role at “L’Ordine” was significant not only because he was the director but also because he was the publisher, giving him considerable control over the newspaper’s editorial content and business operations.
Television and Media Expansion
Alessandro Sallusti’s influence was not confined to print media. In 2009, he expanded his reach by collaborating with “Mattino Cinque,” a popular morning television program on Canale 5, one of Italy’s major television networks. This move marked his entry into the world of television, where he was able to engage with a different audience and further establish his presence in the Italian media landscape.
Around the same time, Sallusti left his position as director of “L’Ordine” but remained involved as its publisher. His departure from “L’Ordine” allowed him to take on a new challenge as co-director of “Il Giornale,” where he worked alongside Vittorio Feltri, another prominent figure in Italian journalism. By September 2010, Sallusti had ascended to the role of editor-in-chief at “Il Giornale,” with Feltri transitioning to the role of editorial director. However, their partnership was short-lived, as Feltri left “Il Giornale” a few months later due to disagreements with Sallusti, returning to “Libero.”
Legal Controversies and Public Scrutiny
Alessandro Sallusti’s career has been marked by several legal controversies, which have often placed him in the media spotlight for reasons beyond his journalism. One of the most significant incidents occurred in November 2010, when the Naples Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation into Sallusti, accusing him of private violence against Emma Marcegaglia, the then-president of Confindustria, Italy’s leading business lobby. The investigation was triggered by wiretapped phone conversations involving Nicola Porro, the deputy editor of “Il Giornale.”
Sallusti vehemently denied the allegations, stating that he had never threatened Marcegaglia or even spoken to her or her secretary, Arpisella. The case attracted considerable media attention, with Sallusti filing a defamation lawsuit against Giandomenico Lepore, the Naples prosecutor who had publicly justified the investigation based on the intercepted conversations.
The 2011-2012 Legal Battle
The most dramatic chapter in Alessandro Sallusti’s legal battles unfolded in 2011 and 2012. In 2011, Sallusti was awarded the Arturo Esposito Sorrento Peninsula Journalism Award, presented to him by Magdi Cristiano Allam, a prominent Italian journalist and politician. However, this period was also marked by significant professional setbacks.
In 2011, the Lombardy Order of Journalists suspended Sallusti from practicing journalism for two months. This disciplinary action was taken because Sallusti had allowed Renato Farina, a former journalist who had been expelled from the Order, to contribute to “Il Giornale” between 2006 and 2008. The suspension was a significant blow to Sallusti’s career, but it was only the beginning of his legal troubles.
In a separate case, Sallusti was convicted of defamation by the Milan Court of Appeals. The case stemmed from an article published in “Libero” in February 2007, which was written under the pseudonym “Dreyfus” and was deemed defamatory towards Giuseppe Cocilovo, a guardianship judge in Turin. Sallusti was sentenced to pay a fine of 5,000 euros and serve one year and two months in prison.
The Media Frenzy and Imprisonment Threat
The sentencing of Alessandro Sallusti quickly became a cause célèbre in Italy, sparking widespread debate about press freedom and the legal consequences faced by journalists. The case was particularly notable because Sallusti was denied a suspended sentence, which is typically granted to first-time offenders who receive sentences of less than two years. The decision to deny the suspension was based on the court’s belief that Sallusti was likely to reoffend in the future.
The Italian National Press Federation (FNSI) rallied to Sallusti’s defense, arguing that it was unjust for a journalist to face imprisonment for fulfilling his professional duties. Despite the public outcry, the Supreme Court of Cassation upheld the sentence on September 26, 2012. The court clarified that the conviction was not based on Sallusti’s opinions but rather on the publication of false information. The use of the pseudonym “Dreyfus” and Sallusti’s failure to properly supervise the content as the responsible editor were central to the court’s decision.
Near Imprisonment and Presidential Pardon
The court’s ruling emphasized Sallusti’s “criminal propensity,” citing his prior legal troubles. The court also noted that the defamation was particularly egregious due to the manner in which it was carried out, justifying the prison sentence. However, Sallusti did not immediately go to jail. The execution of the prison sentence was temporarily suspended due to the absence of prior convictions or accumulated sentences that would have mandated immediate incarceration.
Despite this reprieve, Sallusti resigned from “Il Giornale” following the notification of his arrest. He was placed under house arrest at his home, but shortly thereafter, he made headlines again by briefly “escaping” from house arrest, an act that was quickly thwarted by the Digos, Italy’s anti-terrorism police. Sallusti was eventually acquitted of the escape charges, as the court found that the incident did not meet the legal criteria for escape. His sentence was later commuted to a fine of just over 15,000 euros by Italian President Giorgio Napolitano.
In the spring of 2013, the Lombardy Order of Journalists once again suspended Sallusti, this time for three months. The repeated suspensions and legal battles underscored the contentious nature of his career, which has been marked by a willingness to challenge authority and push the boundaries of journalistic expression.
Personal Life and Recent Developments
Alessandro Sallusti’s personal life has also been a subject of public interest. For nine years, until 2016, he was in a relationship with Daniela Santanchè, a prominent politician associated with Forza Italia, a center-right political party in Italy. Their relationship was widely covered in the media, adding another layer to Sallusti’s public persona.
In May 2021, Sallusti took on a new role as the editor of “Libero,” returning to the publication where he had previously made a significant impact. His predecessor, Pietro Senaldi, remained on as co-editor, ensuring a smooth transition of leadership. Sallusti’s return to “Libero” marked a continuation of his long and storied career in Italian journalism.
Conclusion
Alessandro Sallusti is a complex and polarizing figure in Italian journalism. His career has been characterized by a series of high-profile legal battles, leadership roles at major newspapers, and a persistent willingness to challenge the status quo. Despite the controversies and legal setbacks, Sallusti has remained a significant force in the Italian media, known for his sharp editorial style and uncompromising approach to journalism.
His story is a testament to the power of the press and the challenges faced by journalists in the modern era. As Sallusti continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape of Italian media, his influence and legacy remain undeniable, making him one of the most notable figures in contemporary Italian journalism.
