Dina Luce and “Il Giornale delle Donne”: a radio investigation on Italian migration to Australia

Dina Luce, an Italian radio journalist and presenter, who was a pioneer for women in radio journalism during the late 1960s. She was one of the first women to broadcast alone on Italian public radio, and became known as the "girl with the Nagra" for using a portable recorder to conduct interviews and create sound portraits for her radio shows. Her programme, Giornale delle donne, aired before the popular show Gran Varietà in 1968 and was a space for reflecting on social issues, particularly emigration from Italy. Dina Luce's work is highlighted for its empathetic and vibrant style. One notable journey she documented was aboard the Galileo Galilei turbo-ship, which carried Italian emigrants to Australia. She spent over a month traveling and interviewing these emigrants, producing several episodes that captured their emotions, anxieties, and hopes for a new life abroad. Her reporting provided a powerful snapshot of Italians seeking better opportunities, showcasing their fears of leaving loved ones behind and adapting to an unknown future. Her work also offered technical insights, such as information about the ship's radio station and the quarantine process for emigrants. Overall, Luce's empathetic approach, combining light-hearted and poignant moments, made her a key figure in reflecting on emigration and gave a voice to those facing uncertainty in their search for a better life. The article positions Dina Luce as an early example of women shaping the journalistic landscape with personal style and professionalism.