Key facts
- Sigfrido Ranucci was removed as presenter of RAI's "Report" program.
- The decision has led to accusations of an attack on press freedom from opposition parties.
Italy's state broadcaster RAI has removed veteran journalist Sigfrido Ranucci from its flagship investigative program "Report," igniting a political storm. Opposition parties decry it as an attack on press freedom, while government allies welcome the move, reigniting debate over RAI's independence.
The removal of a prominent investigative journalist from Italy's state broadcaster has intensified concerns about press freedom and government influence over public media, particularly ahead of upcoming elections.
ROME, Aug 29 (Reuters) - Italian opposition parties have denounced an attack on press freedom after state broadcaster RAI removed veteran journalist Sigfrido Ranucci as presenter of its flagship investigative programme, "Report," a move welcomed by government allies.
The case has reignited a long-running debate over the independence of RAI, whose board is appointed by parliament and the government, and whose editorial direction critics say is shaped by the ruling coalition.
RAI announced late on Friday the removal of Ranucci after nine years at the helm of "Report," one of Italy's most watched and influential current affairs programmes. Ranucci stated, "I will no longer host 'Report,' but I will lead the most important battle of my life: the fight for press freedom."
The "Ranucci affair" began with a bomb attack outside Ranucci's home in October last year. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the "serious act of intimidation." However, the stance of ruling politicians shifted after businessman Valter Lavitola, a longtime associate of Ranucci's, was arrested this month and reportedly told prosecutors he had ordered the attack. Authorities have found no evidence Ranucci had prior knowledge of the bombing, but Lavitola's arrest triggered allegations in pro-government media of a plot to boost Ranucci's popularity.
Opposition figures, including Elly Schlein, leader of the Democratic Party, criticized the removal, suggesting it was a long-standing objective of the right-wing government ahead of an election next year. Conversely, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini praised the decision, calling it the "right" one, and Senate President Ignazio La Russa also expressed satisfaction, having frequently criticized the programme's editorial line.
RAI stated it wanted to strengthen its investigative reporting and promote young talent, offering Ranucci a different role. However, journalists working on "Report" issued a statement calling the decision "unacceptable" and warning that many members of the newsroom would leave if management did not reverse course.