Rai launches internal ethical review of Report amid Ranucci controversy

Italy’s public broadcaster Rai has opened an internal investigation through its Commission for the Ethical Code concerning the investigative programme Report and its presenter Sigfrido Ranucci. The move follows allegations linked to the October attack on Ranucci and rumours of a possible suspension of the journalist. Rai’s statement says the review will examine the handling of sources and the methodological rigour of the show, in line with EBU guidelines and the broadcaster’s service contract.

Ranucci responded on social media, stating he is “tranquillissimo” and that Report is ready to face “the ennesimo audit o verifiche” after having passed previous checks such as the Autogrill and Tosi cases. He warned that the request for verification stemmed from false information in some newspapers and defended the programme’s independence and journalistic standards. The review is not a formal audit, which would require judicial authorisation, but a procedural check meant to protect the broadcaster and the public service model while the criminal investigation continues.

No disciplinary action has been announced; the Commission will report its findings in the coming days.