The Italian public broadcaster Rai’s union, USIGRai, representing 2,000 journalists, accused the government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of trying to control the broadcaster. The union declared a 24-hour strike to protest against editorial interference and working conditions, stating that they would rather sacrifice pay than lose their freedom. Rai’s management responded by accusing the union of striking for political reasons and spreading fake news. They defended their commitment to pluralism and freedom of expression, stating that current staff’s rights and jobs are not at risk despite their transformation into a modern digital media company. Another union, Unirai, has been accused of being linked to the right wing and has asked members to cover shifts during the strike.
During a press conference attended by Rai journalists, the cancellation of writer Antonio Scurati’s appearance on a TV programme due to financial reasons sparked controversy. Scurati’s book criticized Meloni’s party, which traces its roots to Italy’s neo-fascist movement, leading to accusations of censorship by Rai. Meloni herself has criticized Rai’s reporting, particularly an investigative program about a migration deal with Albania. This incident, along with others, led to Italy’s press freedom ranking dropping in the annual index by Reporters Without Borders, placing the country in the “problematic” category alongside other EU members like Poland and Hungary. Concerns have been raised about politicians attempting to control media outlets in Italy.
The strike by Rai journalists comes amid protests against budget tightening measures, including hiring freezes and job eliminations, which they believe are aimed at reducing Rai to a mouthpiece of the government. Journalists in Italy have long faced threats of defamation lawsuits and criminal complaints by powerful individuals as a way to suppress investigative reporting. Rai’s attempt to modernize into a digital media company has been met with resistance from journalists who fear losing their independence and freedom to report. The management of Rai has defended their actions, stating that they are committed to upholding pluralism and freedom of expression.
The accusations of editorial interference and censorship by Rai’s management have led to a standoff between the broadcaster and its journalists, with the union accusing the government of trying to control the narrative. Meloni’s government has been criticized for attempting to silence critics and manipulate the media for political gains. The strike by Rai journalists is part of a broader pushback against threats to press freedom and freedom of expression in Italy, which has seen an increase in censorship and attacks on journalists under the current government. The issues raised by the strike are part of a larger debate about the role of public broadcasters in democratic societies and the need to safeguard their independence from political interference.
