Opposition denounces “attack on press freedom” as veteran presenter Ranucci is dropped from “Report” after nine years. Government allies welcome the move by RAI.
Italian opposition parties have condemned the removal of veteran journalist Sigfrido Ranucci as presenter of RAI’s flagship investigative programme “Report” as an attack on press freedom. Allies of the governing coalition, meanwhile, have welcomed the decision. It has reignited long-standing questions over the independence of the state broadcaster.
Nine years at the helm come to an end
RAI announced late on Friday that it was removing Ranucci after nine years presenting “Report,” one of Italy’s most watched and influential current affairs programmes. “I will no longer host ‘Report’, but I will lead the most important battle of my life: the fight for press freedom,” Ranucci said on learning of the decision.
The so-called “Ranucci affair” has dominated Italian media coverage for weeks and was the lead story across the country’s main newspapers on Saturday.
The controversy traces back to a bomb attack outside Ranucci’s home in October last year, an incident that initially drew support for the journalist from across the political spectrum. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, whose party had frequently been the subject of “Report” investigations, condemned what she called a “serious act of intimidation,” and the government moved to strengthen Ranucci’s police escort.
That cross-party sympathy shifted sharply this month after businessman Valter Lavitola, a longtime associate of Ranucci’s, was arrested. According to his lawyer, Lavitola told prosecutors he had ordered the attack. Authorities have found no evidence that Ranucci had any prior knowledge of the bombing, but Lavitola’s arrest prompted a wave of articles in pro-government media alleging a plot to raise Ranucci’s public profile ahead of a possible entry into politics.
Opposition sees a long-planned move
Elly Schlein, leader of the centre-left Democratic Party, was among several opposition figures who argued that Ranucci’s removal confirmed what they described as a longstanding government objective to weaken “Report” ahead of elections due next year.
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Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, leader of the League, praised the move as the “right” one and called for further clarification of the issues surrounding Ranucci. Senate President Ignazio La Russa, of Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party, also expressed satisfaction, having repeatedly criticised the programme’s editorial line in the past.
RAI made no reference to the recent controversy in its announcement, saying only that it wanted to strengthen its investigative reporting and promote young talent. The broadcaster has offered Ranucci a role on other news programmes or as a foreign correspondent.
Journalists working on “Report” issued a statement calling the decision “unacceptable” and warning that many members of the newsroom would resign if management did not reverse course.
