Public broadcaster RAI has decided to give ministers and permanent ministers unlimited airtime when addressing systemic issues. On April 11, journalists and news presenters from RAI's main channels interrupted their news programs to read out a statement from the US IGRai Union of Journalists, explaining RAI's new policies and calling RAI the government's “megaphone”. He criticized him by comparing it to The International and European Federation of Journalists (IFJ-EFJ), together with its affiliate the Italian National Federation of Stampa (FNSI), condemns this further attempt to politicize public information services for propaganda purposes, and says that the RAI Requires respect for journalistic principles.
“The majority of the government has decided to turn the RAI into its own megaphone,” began a USIGrai journalist's speech in response to this policy. announced By RAI's Supervisory Board. It approved rules allowing government representatives to “speak at meetings without time constraints or cross-examination.”
statement continuation: “This is not how we think about public broadcasting. A journalist's job should revolve around asking questions, validating statements, and pointing out contradictions, even when they are unpleasant. Dear viewers, we are ready to mobilize to ensure independent, balanced, and multiple information.”
Another rule allows Rai News to broadcast political rallies at any time, with only a brief introduction and complete publication without journalistic mediation.
RAI's decision shows once again that the Italian government is attempting to use public services for personal and propaganda purposes, contradicting a key pillar of journalists' work.
Vittorio Di Trapani, President of FNSISaid: “RAI News is trampling on the editorial autonomy of its journalists and editorial teams and risks a deluge of election rallies.”
of IFJ/EFJ Said: “We stand in full solidarity with RAI journalists whose freedom of the press and ethical principles are being violated by the Italian government. Reminds me of the need to. IFJ Global Ethics Charter for Journalists. We call on the Supervisory Board to review its decision and allow for cross-examination and transparent and pluralistic information in accordance with the public interest principle. ”
