These two works come to mind as I attempt to compare the 'journalistic current events' in Greece and in Italy in the case of the kidnapping and release of the Shipowener Periklis Panagopoulos. Despite the expression 'one face, one race' Greece and Italy are light-years apart when it comes to the manner in which they treat kidnappings in Newspapers and Television. In two words, our neighbouring country maintains the tradition of 'Silenzio Stampa' i.e. the Press is silent. Newspapers and networks abide by strict rules and do not depend on rumour, scenarios and gossip until the kidnapping is over. While this is the case in our neighbouring country, in Greece the status quo of immeasurable jabbering and postulating in newspapers and television stations (chiefly private stations) is maintained. That is how they increase sales on the one hand and viewership on the other.

When, in Greece, will the televsion networks begin to respect the lives of those fellow citizens who are in danger?