Maria Latella, born on June 13, 1957, in Reggio Calabria, Italy, is a prominent journalist, television and radio host, and author who has significantly impacted Italian media over the decades. With her sharp journalistic acumen, Maria Latella has navigated various media landscapes, establishing herself as a respected figure in both the Italian and international arenas. This article delves into the life, career, and achievements of Maria Latella, offering an in-depth exploration of her journey, contributions to journalism, and her broader impact on media and society.
Early Life and Education
Maria Latella spent her formative years in Lazio, specifically in the town of Sabaudia, Latina, where she lived until the age of 18. Her initial academic pursuits led her to the University of Rome, where she enrolled in the Faculty of Law. However, her academic journey took a pivotal turn when she moved to Genoa to continue her studies. She eventually earned her law degree, marking the beginning of her transition from academia to the professional world.
Her entry into journalism was facilitated by a scholarship awarded by the Federazione Nazionale Stampa Italiana (FNSI) and the Federazione Italiana Editori Giornali (FIEG). This opportunity paved the way for her first significant role in journalism at the Genoese daily newspaper, Il Secolo XIX. Here, Maria Latella honed her skills as a judicial reporter, covering a variety of legal and court-related stories. This early experience laid a strong foundation for her future endeavors in journalism.
The 1990s: A Decade of Growth
The 1990s marked a period of substantial growth and diversification in Maria Latella’s career. In 1990, she joined Corriere della Sera, one of Italy’s most prestigious newspapers, where she worked as a political correspondent. During this time, she lived and worked in Milan and later in Rome, immersing herself in the fast-paced world of political journalism. Her role at Corriere della Sera allowed her to cover critical political events, providing her with a platform to showcase her reporting skills on a national level.
Her television career began in 1996 when she made her debut on Italian television with the political information program “Dalle venti alle venti” on Rai Tre. This marked the beginning of her journey as a television host, where her ability to communicate complex political issues to a broad audience became evident. Two years later, she hosted another program on Rai Tre called “Salomone,” a talk show focused on civil justice issues, which aired during prime time. These experiences solidified her presence in the Italian media landscape, demonstrating her versatility as both a journalist and a television host.
The 2000s: Expanding Horizons
The 2000s were a defining decade for Maria Latella as she expanded her influence in both radio and print media. In 2003, she began hosting the program “L’Utopista” on Radio 24, where she further demonstrated her ability to engage with listeners on current affairs. Her role at Radio 24 evolved over the years, and between 2004 and 2005, she hosted a weekly press review focusing on both Italian and international weekly publications.
In 2005, Maria Latella took on the role of editor-in-chief at the weekly magazine Anna. Under her leadership, the magazine underwent significant changes, including a rebranding that led to its new title, A, in 2006. Her editorial direction revitalized the publication, making it more relevant to contemporary audiences and solidifying her reputation as a media innovator.
Simultaneously, Maria Latella began her long-term collaboration with Sky TG24, an Italian all-news channel. She hosted the weekly program “L’Intervista,” which quickly gained recognition for its insightful interviews with prominent political figures. The program’s success was underscored by the Ischia International Journalism Award, which recognized it as the best program in the current affairs and politics category.
American Experiences and International Recognition
Maria Latella’s career has not been confined to Italy. She has maintained strong ties with the United States, where she has had several noteworthy experiences. During the 1980s, she was selected as a U.S. visitor, allowing her to closely observe and report on American presidential campaigns. This experience provided her with a broader perspective on international politics, which she later applied in her work as a journalist.
Her expertise in European populism led to an invitation from the Institute of Politics at the University of Chicago in 2016, where she was asked to give lectures on the topic. This opportunity highlighted her role as an international thought leader and underscored her ability to engage with complex political phenomena on a global stage.
The 2010s and 2020s: Continuing Influence
In the 2010s, Maria Latella continued to expand her influence in Italian media. Since 2013, she has been a regular columnist for Il Messaggero, one of Rome’s leading newspapers. Her columns provide readers with incisive analysis and commentary on current events, further cementing her status as a respected voice in journalism.
In 2019, she received the prestigious Premio America from the Fondazione Italia USA, an award that recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to fostering transatlantic relations. This accolade was a testament to her longstanding commitment to bridging cultural and political divides between Italy and the United States.
Maria Latella’s radio career also flourished during this period. From 2006 to 2015, she was a regular guest on RTL 102.5, participating in a program hosted by Fulvio Giuliani and Giusi Legrenzi. Since September 13, 2015, she has hosted the program “Nessuna è perfetta” on Radio 24, which airs every Sunday morning. The show focuses on issues related to gender equality and women’s work, highlighting Maria Latella’s ongoing commitment to social justice and empowerment.
In addition to her radio work, she co-hosted “24 Mattino” on Radio 24 with Simone Spetia from 2018, a program that runs from Monday to Friday. Her role in this program allowed her to engage with listeners on a daily basis, discussing the most pressing issues of the day.
Television and Honors
Maria Latella has also continued to innovate in the television space. In 2022, she launched a new program on Sky TG24 titled “A cena da Maria Latella.” This unique format featured interviews with political figures conducted over dinner at her home, offering viewers an intimate and candid look at her guests. The program was well-received, further demonstrating Maria Latella’s ability to connect with audiences in new and engaging ways.
Her contributions to journalism and media have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. She was appointed a Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic by President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, a prestigious recognition of her services to the nation.
Literary Contributions
Maria Latella is also an accomplished author. Her books reflect her deep understanding of politics and society, as well as her ability to capture the complexities of contemporary life. Some of her notable works include:
- Regimental. Dieci anni con i politici che non sono passati di moda (2003)
- Tendenza Veronica (2004-2009), the first biography of Veronica Lario, Silvio Berlusconi’s second wife.
- Come si conquista un Paese. I sei mesi in cui Berlusconi ha cambiato l’Italia (2009)
- Il potere delle donne. Confessioni e consigli delle ragazze di successo (2015)
- Fatti privati e pubbliche tribù. Storie di vita e giornalismo dagli anni sessanta a oggi (2017)
These publications offer readers insights into the Italian political landscape and the role of women in society, themes that Maria Latella has consistently explored throughout her career.
Personal Life and Legacy
Maria Latella’s personal life is as interesting as her professional journey. She is married to Alasdhair Macgregor-Hastie, a British advertising executive who serves as vice president of the French advertising agency BETC. The couple has a daughter, Alice, who works as a creative director in Berlin. Maria Latella divides her time between Rome and Paris, reflecting her international lifestyle.
Their marriage took place in Paris on June 15, 2013, with notable figures such as Veronica Lario and Tom Mockridge, former CEO of Sky Italia, serving as witnesses. The ceremony was officiated by Rachida Dati, a former French Minister of Justice, adding a further layer of prominence to the event.
Maria Latella’s life and career offer a compelling narrative of success, adaptability, and influence. From her early days as a judicial reporter in Genoa to her current role as a leading journalist and media figure, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a passion for storytelling. Her work has not only informed and educated audiences but has also contributed to shaping public discourse in Italy and beyond.
As Maria Latella continues to engage with new media platforms and explore innovative ways to connect with audiences, her legacy as a pioneering journalist and broadcaster remains firmly established. Her contributions to journalism, both in Italy and internationally, will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of media professionals.
