Ciro Giso and Sofia Turati of Marea Media joined a podcast to discuss the challenges young journalists face in Italy. They highlighted how many aspiring reporters endure exploitation, especially during the mandatory two-year newsroom experience needed to qualify for the Italian Order of Journalists’ press card. This requirement often sees young talents working long hours, with limited compensation, under the guise of training. Ciro and Sofia emphasize that while the system is meant to foster experience, it often becomes a barrier, making journalism inaccessible for those without financial backing and increasing precariousness among young professionals. Their insights call for urgent reforms to create fairer, more sustainable paths for new journalists.