Trade unions
Journalists have their own union, Federazione Nazionale Stampa Italiana (National Federation of Italian Print Press – FNSI) that, unlike the workings of other industrial and service sectors, gathers together journalists from all political affiliations. RAI journalists as well have their own union, Unione Sindacale Giornalisti RAI (Trade Union of RAI Journalists – USIGRAI), which also encourages participation from all political affiliations. Publishers, on the other hand, are represented via the FIEG. For their part, each of these organisations play a powerful role within the Italian public sphere, and often wield significant influence over the decision making process.