Italian journalist Ranucci criticizes Rai's decisions, fears for safety in Cairo posting

Veteran Italian journalist Sigfrido Ranucci has publicly denounced the Italian public broadcaster Rai's recent decisions concerning his role and the investigative program 'Report' as "mediocre." Ranucci, who was previously the host of 'Report,' faces a potential reassignment and has voiced strong criticism regarding the company's choices.

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I don’t understand why if I am not suitable for Report, I should be suitable for Tg3 or Rainews. The third alternative was the correspondence office in Cairo. They evidently don’t know that I have been living under escort even before the attack and in Cairo, abroad, I would be without escort. Perhaps they hope that I might end up like Regeni.

One of the proposed alternatives to hosting 'Report' was a correspondent position in Cairo. Ranucci expressed significant concern over this possibility, highlighting that he lives under police escort even before a previous attack. He fears that being stationed in Cairo, where he would be without protection, could lead to a fate similar to that of Giulio Regeni, an Italian researcher who disappeared and was later found dead in Egypt. Ranucci also noted that Cairo has recently been perceived as a place of exile for journalists.

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A mediocre choice that decrees the end of Report, it is a slap in the face to the professionalism of those who have been working there for years.

Beyond the safety concerns, Ranucci also criticized the selection of new hosts for 'Report,' Giulia Presutti and Daniele Piervincenzi. He suggested their appointments were based on "relational" or political logic rather than journalistic professionalism. "Logics that have nothing to do with professionalism," he stated, questioning the suitability of candidates chosen through a selection process he deemed unrelated to the program's complexity.

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The decision of Rai condemns the victim of an attack but also Report and the independence of public information. Sigfrido Ranucci for now will not lead Report but the most important battle for the defense of the freedom of investigative journalism, in every venue.

Ranucci indicated that he is preparing for a workplace dispute with Rai. His lawyer, Roberto De Vita, stated that Rai's decision "condemns the victim of an attack but also Report and the independence of public information." Ranucci himself vowed to "resist the mud with my story," signaling his intent to fight the decisions and defend the integrity of investigative journalism.

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Logics that have nothing to do with professionalism.