Matteo Cremaschi, after a year as a communication specialist at the OAG (and now also spokesperson), what is the conclusion you can draw?
«The first assessment is very positive. An exceptional and extremely challenging experience so far. Suddenly I had to deal with new and complex, but at the same time fascinating, themes. Working with the media is challenging and requires a lot of attention. It is not easy to communicate and inform different audiences by finding the right balance between multiple, sometimes conflicting, interests. Protection of personality, protection of involved parties and accused, investigation tactics, public interest, media needs and principle of proportionality. A mix of factors that guides us in managing over a thousand annual questions and requests regarding the activities of MPC which come from journalists active all over the world. Nothing is left to chance, we know when and how we can express ourselves, aware of the fact that every detail can make the difference, always trying to communicate in a transparent and timely way."
You are a young Ticino man who, like many others, "emigrated" across the Alps. What are the reasons: remuneration, career prospects, or something else?
«I have undertaken a new challenge to grow, on a personal and professional level. I did it by completely stepping out of my comfort zone. I was suddenly catapulted into a new context in which I work and communicate daily in the three national languages and in English on complex topics that I only partially knew. It hasn't been easy, but commitment and passion, combined with a good dose of curiosity, are bearing good fruit. I don't deny that career prospects and working conditions had an impact on the choice to undertake this first professional experience outside the Canton. However, I am very attached to Ticino, where I am still partially active. In fact, the OAG has an antenna in Lugano, while the headquarters of the Federal Criminal Court, where we often follow the prosecutors for the media aspects linked to the trials, is based in Bellinzona".
You have worked on public communication in quite different fields, including financial, academic and now judicial. In your opinion, is there a common element?
«The time factor is crucial, regardless of the reference sector. Information today travels at incredible speeds, without borders. The actors, means and sources have multiplied and this has clear consequences for those who have to interact with an ever-increasing number of stakeholders. Continuous updating and preparation are essential elements for those involved in communication and public relations in this new "information market". A good reaction capacity must never be lacking, because the unexpected is always around the corner and must be dealt with promptly".
How important are personal contacts, also understood as PR, in your current job as in your past ones?
«This is undoubtedly a fundamental component. I take great care of personal contacts, because I believe that our profession is strongly based on relationships and in particular on listening. We live every day in the frenzy of an increasingly complex and unpredictable world. Thanks to the experience gained in the various projects carried out in recent years, I have discovered how important it is to be able to count on others, compare, learn and grow through the exchange and sharing of ideas."
