Teleturia’s innovative approach in the community of Arezzo.

The foundation of a community consists of a wide range of factors. Each person adds something individualistic that is unique to themselves, yet remains interwoven into the larger group. The idea of connection helps to strengthen these bonds and is a crucial aspect of any community. More and more in the modern world, communities stay connected through the use of digital media. While national and international news outlets are undeniably useful tools, it is more important than ever for a smaller community such as Arezzo to have a sense of affinity for itself.  

Who are Teleturia?

Teleturia TV Studios, a studio local to the city of Arezzo, was one of the first independent news stations in Italy. For fifty years, they have represented the regions of Tuscany and Umbria, largely emphasizing the importance of the Arezzo community. 

They focus on issues of public and social interest, specialize in institutional communication, and focus attention on digital communication. They do this through various forms of journalism, marketing, and production, including 24-hour coverage, live broadcasts, and innovative ways of engaging with the community. This is all done by a core team of approximately 30 individuals. 

It may seem difficult for a team of this size to produce such extensive productions, but their systematic structure of media and the passion they hold truly keep Teleturia as a leading news station for local provinces. Teleturia is also in a unique position, in which each representative of Teleturia is also representative of the larger Arezzo community. Having a diverse group of individuals from across the city helps immensely in producing a well-rounded image for the city. 

Innovation – Community in Media

Teleturia uses various innovative methods to include the community in the production, and consumption, of the local news. Since Teleturia is located outside of the city center, it is more difficult to come across stories naturally; rather, reporters actively search for the stories forged from the community. Journalist Maddalena Pieroni gave us more insight into this process: 

“You have to stay outside… for instance, I work with the healthcare system. If I go to the hospital for a press conference, I have to stay very alert because I can get news there.” 

This isn’t the only way Teleturia seeks public opinion. Teleturia frequently goes out into the streets of Arezzo and asks locals their thoughts and opinions on current stories. The way that the community responds to news is arguably the most crucial piece of the story, as it binds the circumstances of each production to the real lives of those in Arezzo. 

“…after you have a piece of news, the second thing you do is to go among people and ask them what they think about it…. It’s fundamental. 

Without the people’s opinion, it’s useless.” 

This strengthens the publications at Teleturia of course, showing viewers that the information is affecting the lives of those around them. In addition to this, it benefits the individual community members. 

“Because this is a small community, it is important. People at night, at 8:30, look forward to see themselves on TV… it’s in Arezzo and in the Province that people want to see themselves.” 

The unique tactics implemented here foster a deep community bond, but they don’t stop at interviewing community members. Outside of actually collecting information for producing the media, Teleturia allows consumers to actively participate as the stories get told. For example, they occasionally have live audience news broadcasts. Another interesting feature is the on-site staged kitchen, where Teleturia invites chefs from across Tuscany to present their skills on screen. This provides an intimate connection with the community, not only representing individuals, but also representing the food culture that Tuscany is so well known for. 

My peers and I personally experienced the unique way Teleturia includes the community of Arezzo. They invited us to participate in a live news broadcast, in which we got to speak a bit about our experience with study abroad. As international students, we are a demographic that doesn’t necessarily have a ton of representation in the community of Arezzo. Teleturia went out of their way to to give us a space to share our story. In addition to this, the live broadcast allowed viewers to send real time messages and questions to us. This made it clear that our story was being heard and appreciated by other members of the community. The fact that this is a system Teleturia offers such live shows frequently is an outstanding show of solidarity and connection through the use of media. 

Community is foundational in the production done at Teleturia TV Studios. The people of Arezzo add a unique life to the stories being told, both as the subjects and the viewers. In addition to this, the community of journalists, marketing experts, and professionals working behind the scenes are undeniably influential, carefully using their skills to construct an image for the city of Arezzo. Teleturia is a news station founded on interpersonal relationships, constantly innovating new ways to deepen the roots of community in their media.