Italy: Publisher accused in attack on journalist faces court; broadcaster weighs program's future

Valter Lavitola, an ex-publisher imprisoned for allegedly ordering an attack on journalist Sigfrido Ranucci, will have his case heard by the tribunal of review on September 7. Lavitola is expected to make spontaneous statements during the hearing, after which magistrates may re-interview Ranucci.

Meanwhile, Rai, Italy's public broadcaster, is nearing a decision on the future of its investigative program Report. The company is considering reassigning Ranucci to a different role and is also looking for a successor to lead the Rai3 investigative program. Ranucci, on his 65th birthday, used social media to thank supporters and criticize detractors, describing the intense media coverage as a "character assassination" unprecedented in Italy. He announced a public appearance in Cerveteri, promising clarity after the event.

Sources indicate that Rai's CEO, Giampaolo Rossi, intends to protect the Report brand and find a suitable position for Ranucci that does not constitute a demotion, thereby avoiding potential legal repercussions. However, board members Alessandro di Majo, Davide Di Pietro, and Roberto Natale have stated that Ranucci should only leave if it's proven he influenced Report's content. Otherwise, they argue, his removal would be politically motivated. A resolution is anticipated within the week, though a decision by the next day seems unlikely.

The search for Ranucci's replacement as host of Report is ongoing, with a shortlist of internal candidates being considered. The program's staff, working under a cloud of concern, are preparing for a new season set to begin November 8. The investigation into Lavitola's alleged role in the Pomezia bomb attack, in which Ranucci is the injured party, continues.

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accertare se il Lavitola abbia condizionato o meno la scelta dei temi e dei contenuti del programma. Se è avvenuto, è giusto che Ranucci lasci. Altrimenti la sua rimozione si configurerebbe come una sanzione inflitta 'a furor di politica'