Pubblicisti

Pubblicisti denotes a category within Italian journalism referring to journalists registered as giornalisti pubblicisti with the Ordine dei Giornalisti. This designation is used for authors who regularly publish articles for remuneration but do not hold the status of giornalista professionista. The distinction is institutional and regulatory, with implications for professional recognition and social security through the national pension fund INPGI.

Historically, the pubblicisti category emerged during the process of professionalizing journalism in Italy and has often included freelancers, contributors, or staff writers for smaller outlets. In practice, pubblicisti may work as freelancers, freelancers who contribute to multiple publications, or staff writers for media organizations who do not meet the criteria for full professional status.

In contemporary usage, the label remains part of the legal framework but is less prominent in everyday discussion, as many writers who would once have been described as pubblicisti are now referred to as freelancers or contributors. Beyond journalism, the term pubblicista is also used in Italian to denote a public relations professional or press agent—someone who creates and disseminates publicity materials and manages media relations for clients. In this sense, the word covers both a journalistic and a communications role, depending on context.

See also: Ordine dei Giornalisti, INPGI, giornalismo, pubblic relations.