Rai host Ranucci faces backlash over leaked 'mafia and freemasonry' comments

Sigfrido Ranucci, the host of Rai's investigative program 'Report', is facing intense scrutiny following the publication of a leaked private phone conversation. In the audio, Ranucci reportedly commented on perceived corruption within the public broadcaster, allegedly stating, "Even inside Rai there's a bit of mafia and freemasonry." This statement has ignited a firestorm of criticism from Italy's center-right political factions.

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Even inside Rai there's a bit of mafia and freemasonry.

Giampaolo Rossi, the CEO of Rai, defended the program and Ranucci, emphasizing 'Report's' status as a strong brand that will continue regardless of its host or management. However, Ranucci's private remarks have drawn sharp rebukes. Marco Scurria, vice-president of the Brothers of Italy (FdI) senators, questioned whether Ranucci would deny these "very serious insinuations" after previously retracting parts of his autobiography and testimony. Other FdI members, like Massimo Ruspandini, dismissed the comments as an "awkward attempt by an adolescent to impress the girl of the moment rather than the refined analysis of an investigative journalist."

Further fueling the controversy, FdI senator Matteo Gelmetti alleged that Ranucci has maintained a close relationship with a figure under investigation for conspiracy, describing him as Ranucci's "best friend" and a Freemason. Calls for investigation have been lodged by FdI members on the parliamentary oversight committee, and the center-right union UniRai Figec has appealed to Rai's audit committee and the Order of Journalists, demanding Ranucci prove his claims or face consequences. The League party senator Giorgio Maria Bergesio urged Rai to take "necessary measures to protect the decorum of Rai," while Forza Italia (FI) members on the oversight committee called for clarity from both the judiciary regarding the alleged conspiracy and from Rai concerning the organization and potential influences behind Ranucci's investigations.

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After denying his autobiography and the depositions made in court, will Ranucci now deny the very serious insinuations about the presence of Freemasons and mafiosi in Rai?

In response, Ranucci issued a statement to Tg1, asserting that any substantiated facts he uncovered would have been reported, as is his practice. He also stated that if the audio was indeed private, its dissemination was unauthorized and therefore grave. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions surrounding investigative journalism within public broadcasting and the scrutiny faced by prominent journalists.

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The audio reports facts that, if they were verified, were certainly reported, as always by myself when verified. If, however, it is a private audio, it was disseminated without my authorization. This is also serious.