RAI Cancels Stefano Massini's 'Riserva Indiana' and Other Cultural Shows

Stefano Massini announced on social media that his RAI‑3 prime‑time program "Riserva Indiana"—which ran for more than 70 episodes—has been abruptly cancelled by the public broadcaster. Massini said RAI decided to "azzerare il programma" without meeting him and repeated a reported instruction that "non vogliamo più Massini in nessuno spazio Rai," expressing strong bitterness about the decision.

The shutdown is part of a broader removal of cultural content from RAI, affecting Gianrico Carofiglio's debate show "Dilemmi" and Stefano Bollani's music‑driven program "Via dei Matti n.0." Both shows had audience shares in the 5‑8 % range and were praised for raising the level of public‑service television. Critics argue the cancellations reflect a political choice that marginalises high‑culture programming, with some describing the move as a signal that "la cultura è una minaccia" to prevailing agendas.