Edoardo Sylos Labini promotes Italian heritage and new Rai channel

Edoardo Sylos Labini, a director and Rai presenter, has introduced his new book, ‘Le Città Identitarie’, at an event in Sant’Agnello. The work focuses on preserving the historical memory and traditions of Italian villages (borghi) against the pressures of globalization and mass tourism.

Sylos Labini noted that 90% of Italy's 7,894 municipalities have fewer than 15,000 inhabitants, emphasizing the importance of these provincial areas as keepers of authentic cultural identity. The project aims to highlight the unique architectural and social ties maintained within these smaller communities.

In connection with this mission, a new television channel named ‘Italiana’ (powered by Rai) is set to launch on October 1, 2026, on digital terrestrial channel 57. The channel will focus on storytelling related to Italy's cultural biodiversity, including its landscapes, culinary traditions, and historical figures. Starting in January 2027, the channel will expand its programming with new productions and live coverage of national events.