The ‘Ndrangheta in the News: A Political Issue or a Sporadic Emergency?

For decades, the power and presence of the 'Ndrangheta has been underestimated by the states because of the strategy adopted by the Calabrian mafia. Unlike the 'Cosa Nostra and Camorre, which became known to the public through the dramatic events of the last century, successful films and television series, the 'Ndrangheta has always preferred the path of business, colonising territories without a traditional mafia presence. The media play a crucial role in constructing public perceptions and influencing policy, particularly in the case of organised crime. By examining media coverage of the 'Ndrangheta - in open comparison with Cosa Nostra and Camorre - the paper will examine how media representations have constructed the narrative surrounding the Calabrian mafia. In the last 20 years, the media's framing of the 'Ndrangheta has evolved, especially after key events such as the Duisburg massacre (the first outside Italy's borders), the 'Crimine-Infinito' operation (the largest in northern Italy) and the Lamezia Terme 'maxi-trial' presided over by judge Nicola Gratteri. The increasing attention paid to these events has led to a change in the way the organization is perceived. Reflecting on the newsworthiness of the 'Ndrangheta and the media coverage of its main locations and actors, this paper aims to explore how - and if - media representations influence the recognition of the 'Ndrangheta as a serious criminal threat and shape subsequent political responses.