Emilio Fede (born 24 June 1931) is an Italian journalist, television presenter, and former news director. He is best known for his long tenure as the anchor of the news program TG 1 on the state-owned broadcaster RAI and for his later work on the private network Mediaset.
Early life and education
Fede was born in L'Aquila, Italy. He studied law at the University of Rome but pursued a career in journalism rather than practicing law.
Career
- Print journalism: Fede began his career in the 1950s, writing for newspapers such as Il Tempo and Il Giornale d'Italia.
- RAI: In 1975 he joined the public broadcaster RAI, eventually becoming the director of the main news program TG 1 in 1992, a position he held until 1997. During his directorship, TG 1 experienced high viewership ratings.
- Mediaset: After leaving RAI, Fede moved to the private television group Mediaset, where he presented the news program Studio Aperto on the channel Italia 1 from 1997 to 2009.
- Later activities: Following his departure from Mediaset, Fede appeared as a commentator on various television and radio programs, often discussing current affairs and political issues.
Controversies and legal issues
- Defamation cases: Throughout his career, Fede was involved in several defamation lawsuits, both as plaintiff and defendant, related to his on‑air statements.
- Tax fraud conviction: In 2012, the Italian tax authorities charged Fede with tax evasion. He was convicted in 2017 and sentenced to one year and six months of imprisonment, a penalty that was later reduced to a fine on appeal.
- Political affiliations: Fede has openly expressed support for right‑wing political movements in Italy, which has drawn criticism from media watchdogs and political opponents.
Personal life
Fede is married and has children. He maintains a low public profile regarding his private affairs.
Legacy
Emilio Fede is considered a prominent figure in Italian broadcast journalism, noted for his distinctive presenting style and significant influence on television news presentation in Italy during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. His career has sparked debate over journalistic standards, media impartiality, and the relationship between Italian television and politics.
