Ranucci suspended by Rai for ten days following disciplinary investigation

Rai has issued a ten-day suspension against journalist Sigfrido Ranucci, involving both a work stoppage and loss of pay. This disciplinary measure follows an internal investigation by the company’s Ethics Committee.

The suspension is based on four primary allegations: unauthorized entries into Rai premises by unionist Laura Cianfoni, private communications with M5S deputy Dario Carotenuto, the forwarding of corporate emails and documents to Valter Lavitola, and alleged disparaging remarks made toward colleagues Giulia Presutti and Daniele Piervincenzi.

This new sanction arrives as the Rome Labor Court is deliberating on an urgent appeal filed by Ranucci regarding his previous removal from hosting the investigative program ‘Report’. Ranucci’s legal counsel, Roberto De Vita, has announced that the suspension will be contested, questioning both the merits and the timing of the decision.

While the suspension is a separate disciplinary matter, it complicates the ongoing legal battle over Ranucci’s professional role at the public broadcaster. Rai leadership, including the Director of In-depth Programming Paolo Corsini, has expressed views suggesting Ranucci may not be reinstated to ‘Report’.