Consider the bustling city around you. It fades as I tell you about Il Corriere della Sera. This newspaper is more than just paper and ink. It is a chronicle of Italian history and culture.
Il Corriere della Sera first rolled off the presses on March 5 1876. Eugenio Torelli Viollier founded it. He envisioned a newspaper for Milan. It was named “Evening Courier”.
Imagine Milan in the late 19th century. Il Corriere della Sera quickly became a voice for the moderate bourgeoisie. It leaned centre-right. Liberal and democratic Catholic views found a home within its columns.
Luigi Albertini took over as editor in the early 1900s. Il Corriere della Sera’s circulation soared past one million. Albertini was a staunch opponent. He stood against socialism clericalism and Giovanni Giolitti’s compromises.
The newspaper’s Via Solferino headquarters have been its home since the early 20th century. This location earned it the nickname “the Via Solferino newspaper”. The name recalls its origins as an evening paper.
Fascism cast a long shadow. Albertini’s resistance led to his ousting in 1925. The newspaper changed its name briefly to Il Nuovo Corriere della Sera. This distanced itself from its past.
After World War II Il Corriere della Sera helped shape Italian views. It championed anti-communism and supported NATO. The Crespi family sold shares to RCS MediaGroup.
The 1980s brought challenges. The Propaganda Due scandal implicated newspaper figures. Yet, Il Corriere della Sera persevered. It launched the weekly magazine supplement Sette.
The newspaper adapted to the digital age. Corriere della Sera launched an online English section. This focused on Italian affairs and culture. It also adopted the Berliner format in 2014.
Il Corriere della Sera stands as Italy’s newspaper of record. It is a testament to journalistic integrity. Its influence extends beyond Lombardy. It reaches every corner of Italy.
Consider Il Corriere della Sera’s lasting legacy as you walk away. It upholds the freedom of ideas. It has shaped Italian discourse for generations.