Rai reform extends board term to four years and changes CEO appointment

The Italian Senate commission approved amendments to the Rai reform that lengthen the board of directors' mandate from three to four years. The changes also give the board itself the authority to appoint the chief executive officer, removing the previous requirement for the Ministry of Economy and Finance to select the CEO. An amendment that would have allowed a 5% reduction in the TV licence fee in exceptional cases was eliminated, leaving the fee unchanged. The reforms aim to align Rai’s governance with the EU Freedom Media Act, which mandates longer planning horizons for public broadcasters. Lawmakers plan to vote on the amendments on August 4, pending government and finance ministry approval.