Thanks to Bob Masullo

Today's ( July 21st) online edition of Italy Weekly (formerly Italy Daily) contains
this notice:

AFTER 5 YEARS, OUR NEWSPAPER SAYS GOODBYE

From Claudio Gatti

For exactly five years, first as Italy Daily and then as Italy Weekly, we have provided our readers with in-depth coverage of Italian life and affairs. Unfortunately this will now end, as this is the last issue of Italy Weekly.

This newspaper was an experiment, an attempt to create a bridge between Italian- and Anglo-Saxon-style journalism, to combine the power and traditions of two great papers - The International Herald Tribune and Corriere della Sera - while satisfying the needs of Italian and non-Italian readers. It has been difficult, but always
exciting.

It ends now, but certainly not for lack of trying by our staff, who remained committed throughout. Nor, I believe, for lack of interest on the part of our readers, who often demonstrated their affection and support through their letters and e-mail messages.

It is just that market conditions did not permit it: we were too small to make it on our own. We were also too small to make a real difference, but I hope that, despite some unevenness in quality, we were able to maintain our commitment to fair and professional reporting.

There could not be more trying times for journalism around the world.

Our own "mother papers" - The New York Times, which now owns all of the IHT, and Corriere della Sera - have been at the center of controversies in their respective countries. In France, home of the IHT, the top editors of Le Monde have been accused of trafficking influence, the editor of Le Figaro is under investigation for insider trading and the editor of La Tribune is being criticized for letting the owner of the newspaper interfere with the editorial content.

In our very small way, we would have loved the opportunity to prove that journalism can deserve respect. Others will have to prove that to you.

Arrivederci.

claudio.gatti@rcsnewyork.com
http://www.italyweekly.it/