The Key Instruments of Propaganda
Newspapers
hostile newspapers were attacked by Fascist squads
In 1925 a law made prefects responsible for censorship
The Fascist Party organized boycotts of some critical paper
By 1926, there was no opposition papers - either shut down, or conformed because of fear
Popular journalists conformed - gave Fascist ideas in the news credibility
Most editors carried out censorship themselves
Reporting of most crimes, unemployment and disorders were forbidden
The only press agency was run by a Fascist
Mussolini would send out a correct report of events - his own twist to make his govt look faultless
Journalists had to register by the state, and join a Fascist association
Never had more than 10% of circulation - far more concerned with content of newspaper, than ownership
Anti-Fascist newspapers continued to exist underground
Radio
Neglected initially as Mussolini was skeptical of its value
From 1924 onwards the rapidly expanding radio network was state run
There were two hours a day of official broadcasts
Amount of official broadcasts increased in 1930s - tone more authoritative and stern
Commentators whipped up excitement with description of events, Mussolini's major speeches played
Loudspeakers were carried throughout Italy
Private listeners had access to foreign programmes (Vatican Broadcast, BBC)
Few people had radios as they were expensive
Radios were given to school and a new rural radio agency was given sets by the govt in the 1930s
Dopolavoro ran community listening meetings which helped spread Fascist ideas