Report resumes without Ranucci, former host prepares appeal

The investigative program Report will resume broadcasting with new hosts Michele Di Pasquale and Laura Piervincenzi, replacing Sigfrido Ranucci at the helm of the show. Rai's decision to remove the program's veteran journalist has already triggered a reaction from Ranucci himself, who is preparing a legal appeal.

According to reports, a judge may examine the case and make a decision before November 8, the scheduled date for the resumption of broadcasts for the new season of Report. The matter unfolds against a backdrop of tensions concerning the autonomy of public broadcasting and freedom of information.

The affair originated from RAI's decision to remove Sigfrido Ranucci from hosting the investigative program Report, of which he was the historic face. Tensions had already emerged with a media campaign that Ranucci attributed to journalist Salvo Sottile, who, according to the former host, for two months wrote offensive and false articles without the company intervening. This climate contributed to an internal clash, culminating in insults directed at Sottile by two Report correspondents, one of whom is the new head writer Bernardo Iovene.

Ranucci's lawyers gave RAI seven days to provide the reasons for his removal, but the company indicated it does not intend to give them. The former host has thirty days to respond to three alternative professional proposals made to him by RAI, which also include the possibility of reinstatement. The matter is expected on the agenda of the RAI board of directors meeting on September 17. In parallel, Ranucci was the victim of an intimidating attack in front of his home, which is the subject of an investigation involving Valter Lavitola and has been enriched by the examination of an interview given by Ranucci himself to a Zimbabwean weekly magazine.