Chiara Saturnino

1. PRESS & MEDIA STRATEGY, MEDIA PRODUCTION & RELATIONS

I tell facts, figures, but above all the people behind them. I approach media and communications as a way to make human stories visible, translating complex realities into narratives that resonate.

Press and media strategy, in my experience, is about defining a clear overarching approach to communication: planning media presence, identifying key audiences, and shaping narratives that ensure important issues are communicated responsibly and reach the right people. It involves understanding contexts, anticipating media needs, and aligning messages across countries and teams to maintain consistency and credibility.

Media production and media relations are, for me, where strategy becomes practice. In my work, this has meant translating communication goals into concrete products such as press releases, op-eds, human-interest stories or multimedia content, carefully tailored to different audiences and designed to connect them with the people and communities at the centre of each issue. This role has also involved building and consolidating relationships with a broad range of media outlets, from press agencies to national and international broadcasters and publications including ANSA, AGI, Rai, RaiNews24, Skytg24, Raiplay Sound, RaiRadio 3, CNN, BBC, The New York Times, Reuters, Associated Press  as well as digital and social media platforms such as Freeda and Factanza. Alongside this, I have fostered connections with press associations such as FNSI, the Italian National Journalists’ Association, and the Foreign Press Association, contributing to responsible and effective communication.

Behind the scenes, my work often went beyond planned outputs and routine media production. When sensitive issues or sudden developments arose, crisis communication became central. In these situations, my experience taught me that having well-prepared Q&A and talking points, coordinating promptly with media and stakeholders, and carefully monitoring messaging in sensitive contexts are essential to ensure clarity and accuracy. Even under pressure, the aim is to make complex and urgent situations understandable, useful and handled with care.

2. FIELD VISITS & MEDIA BRIEFING / SPOKESPERSON PREPARATION

Acting as a spokesperson and preparing others for media engagement has been a central part of my work. Supporting spokespeople through briefing and debriefing, facilitating interviews, and guiding participation in press conferences and media visits ensures that messages are clear, consistent, and credible.

Being in the field with journalists has taught me how essential careful and thoughtful preparation is, especially when working with children and other vulnerable groups. The focus is always on creating safe spaces for those involved and preventing any harm, while supporting colleagues to feel confident and responsible, so that the stories they share reflect both the realities and the dignity of the people and communities at the heart of the work.

3. SCIENTIFIC REPORTS FOR COMMS & ADVOCACY PURPOSES

Producing in-depth scientific reports and thematic dossiers has been a natural extension of a background in research and journalism. Field research and careful analysis provide the foundation, but the focus is always on translating complex data into accessible, meaningful content tailored to different audiences. Whether for public communication, press office work, advocacy, or public positioning, reports are crafted to convey insights accurately while respecting the dignity and experiences of the people behind the numbers. This process ensures that evidence informs decision-making, supports engagement, and highlights human stories within broader findings.