Stamattina è morto walter Cronkite la leggenda del giornalismo USA. Aveva 93 anni e il 4 luglio ha inviato al premio Ischia il suo ultimo messaggio.
It gives me great pleasure to be a part of the Premio Ischia ceremonies tonight. I only wish I could be here with you in person. At the young age of 92, I no longer am traveling to distant shores; however, Ischia always has remained close in my heart. My memories of the too-brief time I spent on that magnificent jewel of an Island fifteen years ago are vivid still. I will never forget its unique beauty, nor the warmth and graciousness of the people I met there, and the stimulating conversations in which I was privileged to participate. I am deeply grateful to the Valentino brothers for their hospitality.

I have followed the Premio Ischia with great interest over the years, and applaud the decision by the Valentino Foundation to produce this event once again. Their creation of an international panel of judges, comprised of esteemed journalists, broadcasters and writers, brings even greater distinction to this award.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate those who are being honored tonight with the Premio, for their incomparable contributions to journalism. As a former recipient of this venerated award, I am humbled to stand among them.

The Premio recognizes outstanding achievement in every aspect of the news business. But it is the men and women who have been on the front lines of reporting every day I would like to acknowledge here. They are the heroes of our profession and embody its very essence, dedicating their lives to upholding press freedom, even as they risk sacrificing their own. It is with great sadness that I report to you tonight that since I received the Premio fifteen years ago, more than 500 journalists have perished in pursuit of the truth, and a free and independent press.

The great American statesman, Thomas Jefferson, said, “A nation that expects to be ignorant and free expects what never can and never will be.” Thanks to the exceptional individuals you honor with the Premio Ischia, and to all of the members of our profession, young and old, who work diligently to uncover the truth and are uncompromising in their reporting ethics, I am optimistic about the future of journalism. Their commitment to these values ensures the preservation of democracy where it exists, and maintains relentless force against those who seek to prevent it.

Congratulations again.

Sincerely,

Walter Cronkite