Salvini Sparks Debate Over RAI Independence After Unfiltered Monologue Airing

October 01, 2024 – Italy – 

A single four-minute video of Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini aired uncritically on public news channel Rainews24 on September 14 has reignited concerns about political influence over RAI’s editorial independence. The clip, in which Salvini defended his handling of the 2019 Open Arms migrant rescue crisis ahead of his trial for alleged kidnapping, was broadcast directly from his social media, with no accompanying commentary or critical analysis—a move that prompted alarm from journalists and media freedom advocates.

RAI’s editorial board swiftly condemned the broadcast, accusing political figures of exploiting the public broadcaster as a “megaphone” for partisan messaging. The incident followed a similar case involving former Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano, who used prime-time RAI airtime to address personal controversies, raising further questions about blurred editorial boundaries on state television.

In response, the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR)—whose statement was supported by the International Press Institute (IPI), European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF), European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), and Free Press Unlimited—called on Parliament to ensure that the RAI Board appointment process guarantees political neutrality and journalistic integrity. While the RAI Board positions are nominated primarily by Parliament (via a two-thirds approval threshold), critics argue that the current system lacks sufficient safeguards to prevent political capture, urging reforms aligned with the European Media Freedom Act.

Lega Party MPs defended the broadcast, asserting it was valid news content and dismissing criticism as political bias. However, many fear such justifications open the door to further politicization of public media at a time when Italy is already facing democratic backsliding—evidenced by broader trends of conservative influence in RAI, including recent departures of prominent hosts and editorial shifts since Prime Minister Meloni’s administration assumed power.

With Parliament poised to confirm the new RAI management, the Salvini incident serves as a litmus test for Italy’s commitment to safeguarding public broadcasting. Media freedom groups are demanding transparent, depoliticized governance mechanisms to ensure that RAI remains accountable to viewers, not to political agendas.

Reference – 

Italy: Salvini’s video reignites debate over RAI independence

Italy: Salvini’s video reignites debate over RAI independence

Italy: Salvini’s video reignites debate over RAI independence – ipi.media