comunicato

Comunicato is an Italian noun meaning a public statement issued by an organization, government body, company, association, or individual to inform the media and the public. It is typically a formal written document or electronic release distributed to journalists and news outlets. The term is closely associated with "comunicato stampa" (press release) and "comunicato ufficiale" (official statement).

Etymology and scope: It derives from the verb comunicare ("to communicate") and the past participle comunicato; in Italian it denotes a message that has been formally communicated to the public. While a comunicato is often media-oriented, it can be issued for other publics as well.

Contents and style: A comunicato usually includes the issuing body, the subject or headline, date and place of issue, a concise narrative or statement, signatories, and contact information for media inquiries. The tone is formal and neutral; factual claims should be verifiable to avoid misleading readers. It may accompany or replace a press conference.

Contexts: Commonly used by government ministries, public institutions, political parties, corporations, cultural organizations, sports associations, and NGOs. In everyday language it can also refer to any official public message from an organization.

Relation to other terms: In journalism one speaks of a comunicato stampa (press release) versus nota stampa (short note) or dichiarazione (statement) by an individual. In English diplomacy, the term "communiqué" denotes a similar but narrower diplomatic note.