9. Censorship was less strident than in Nazi Germany
Although the government of Italy under Mussolini controlled the radio broadcasts and much of the film industry, it did not practice the strict censorship of the German government. Dissent was to a limited extent allowed under Mussolini. Only those who expressed open protests which condemned the actions of the government, or strongly criticized fascist theories and doctrines were strongly censored. The more liberal approach of the Italian government allowed for discussion regarding the fascist system and comparison of the Italian system to the Nazi government, and the steady stream of propaganda which exhorted Italian fascism often used the Germans as a negative example. As ties between Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy strengthened, the negative comparisons became less frequent. Mussolini and Hitler were presented as personally close, through Mussolini’s private comments indicated that he had a low opinion of the German Fuhrer. He once referred to Hitler as a little monkey.
Italian radio broadcasters were for the most part allowed to prevent their views without restraint, though the news they received came from government sources. They also received news broadcasts from the BBC and French radio, though radio was not a common appliance in Italian homes. Most Italians received their news and information from newspapers or via word of mouth. News was often read to workers in the form of bulletins while they were at their places of employment. Thus there was little need for the Italian government to censor radio broadcasts. Negative news was dismissed as anti-fascist propaganda by the newsreels and government-controlled newspapers rather than being completely suppressed by the government. The Italian government did broadcast propaganda via radio in the form of news bulletins and speeches delivered by government officials, which the state required the radio stations to broadcast. Broadcasting Mussolini’s speeches was mandatory.