Sirmione-Catullo Award Finalists Announced for TV, International Journalism

Licia Colò, host of the program Gheo & Gheo on RaiTre, Alessandro Cecchi Paone for la Macchina del tempo on Rete 4, Donatella Bianchi and Mario Cobellini for Linea Blu on Rai 1 are the finalists of the 19th edition of the Sirmione-Catullo award.

The decision was made by the jury meeting yesterday morning, chaired by Bruno Vespa and composed of the directors of newspapers published in the Gardesana Region, namely Mino Allione for L’Arena, Maurizio Cattaneo for BresciaOggi, Gian Battista Lanzani for Il Giornale di Brescia, and Bruno Manfelloto for Gazzetta di Mantova.

Selection of the Television Section

Regarding the selection for the television section of the award, which Bruno Vespa explained (also clarifying, given his position, that he did not cast a vote), a lively debate took place.

In the end, it was decided to focus on environmental and tourist programs that encourage viewers to pay close attention to the most beautiful aspects of our country.

The choice proved successful because the three selected television programs are highly watched and provide interesting insights, thanks also to the skill of their hosts.

Decision of the Popular Judges

Now, the floor passes to the one hundred popular jurors, all from Sirmione, chosen by the Municipal Administration. They will be responsible for selecting, among the three candidates, the one deserving to win the 19th edition of the award, in its new and revamped journalistic format.

As Maurizio Ferrari, the mayor, explained while presenting the award in the courtyard of the Castello Scaligero, the Sirmione-Catullo has shifted from books to media, not because Sirmione does not love writers, books, and publishing, but because it was necessary to give the event a boost at both national and international levels, now sponsored by the Banca dei Colli Morenici del Garda.

No final decision has yet been made by the second section of the jury, the international one reserved for foreign newspapers.

International Section and Vespa’s Remarks

Once again, Bruno Vespa explained the activity of the jury composed of Rai’s European correspondents, namely Carmen La Sorella (Berlin), Antonio Caprari (London), Antonio Foresi (Brussels), and Corradino Mineo (Paris).

“We haven’t made decisions,” the president explained, “but we evaluated a wide selection of reports and articles focusing on Italy from the European press. And I assure you, there were surprises, both negative and positive.”

Vespa hinted, “It seems that Italy is very beloved and that there are unexplored opportunities in quality tourism.”

Aims and Ceremony of the Award

The jury will meet again before making a final decision.

This international award aims to recognize the foreign journalist or publication that has published dossiers or articles of significant cultural, artistic, and environmental interest about Italy, thereby contributing to enhancing its image.

The final award ceremony is scheduled for September 30th.