Report's Top Correspondents Refuse to Follow Ranucci, Demand Control

Veteran journalist Sigfrido Ranucci is reportedly facing a significant internal challenge at Rai, with his most trusted correspondents distancing themselves and signaling readiness to assume control of the investigative journalism program 'Report'. The situation intensified just hours before Rai was expected to finalize decisions regarding Ranucci's role.

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Any lesser role would be a demotion. Why should I accept it? For things written in the newspapers that are not true? With my history?

Ranucci himself has declared his intention to resist any assignment that he deems a demotion. "Any lesser role would be a demotion. Why should I accept it? For things written in the newspapers that are not true? With my history?" he stated, suggesting the move has political undertones. He further expressed his resolve, saying, "We are awaiting a decision, which has a clear political matrix, but I will resist until the end."

The internal conflict appears to have fractured the 'Report' newsroom. An internal chat reportedly revealed discussions among senior correspondents about organizing meetings without others' knowledge and liaising with the head of in-depth programming, Paolo Corsini. This led to a definitive split, with one group wanting to issue a statement supporting Ranucci, and a prominent group of correspondents, including Giorgio Mottola and Giulio Valesini, leaving the chat to issue their own statement signed "the correspondents of Report."

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We are awaiting a decision, which has a clear political matrix, but I will resist until the end.

This group, which Ranucci has reportedly invested in over recent years, including through salary levels, issued a statement suggesting Ranucci's removal is only partially linked to the Valter Lavitola affair. They contend it follows a "precise political design" and accuse media outlets of attacking "one of the last bastions of freedom and informational independence of public service."

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the announced removal of Ranucci from the direction of Report (now taken for granted) would have to do 'only in part with the Lavitola affair', while it would actually follow 'a precise political design'.

The correspondents' statement also expresses opposition to any external candidates for the host and lead author roles, arguing that sufficient talent exists within the current team. They warned that any choice other than promoting from within would be judged "hostile and aimed at normalizing and placing the program under commission."

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one of the last bastions of freedom and informational independence of public service.