Ranucci’s departure from investigative programme Report triggers accusations of political interference and renewed debate over media independence
Italy’s public broadcaster RAI has removed veteran investigative journalist Sigfrido Ranucci from his long-running role as presenter of the programme Report, a decision that has triggered a political dispute over the independence of public media.
Ranucci had presented Report for around nine years. The programme is known for investigations into political, business and social issues and has frequently examined subjects that have generated controversy in Italy.
RAI has defended the change as part of an effort to strengthen its investigative journalism and introduce younger talent. The broadcaster has offered Ranucci other responsibilities within the organisation rather than ending his relationship with RAI altogether.
However, the decision has been strongly criticised by opposition politicians and members of the journalistic community. Critics argue that removing one of the broadcaster’s most prominent investigative figures could weaken scrutiny of those in power.
The controversy is particularly significant because Report has previously conducted investigations involving people and organisations connected to Italy’s political establishment. Opposition figures have therefore questioned whether the decision was purely an editorial change or whether political considerations played a role.
Ranucci has also faced serious security concerns. In October 2025, an explosive device was used in an attack outside his home. Italian authorities later arrested businessman Valter Lavitola in connection with the case. According to reports, Lavitola told investigators that he had ordered the attack, although there has been no indication that Ranucci knew about the planned bombing.
The journalist’s removal has also caused concern among members of the Report team. Some journalists associated with the programme have criticised RAI’s decision and warned that the dispute could affect the future of the investigative unit.
RAI, however, has rejected suggestions that Ranucci’s removal was politically motivated. The broadcaster maintains that its decision is connected to the future direction of Report and its broader plans for investigative journalism. Giulia Presutti and Daniele Piervincenzi have been selected to take over the programme.
The dispute comes at a sensitive time for Italian politics, with the role of public broadcasting increasingly becoming part of the wider discussion about political influence and press freedom.
For RAI, the challenge now is to demonstrate that its editorial decisions are based on journalistic and organisational considerations rather than political pressure. For critics, the removal of Ranucci has become another test of how independent Italy’s public broadcaster can remain when its journalism directly examines those in power.
The controversy is therefore about more than one journalist. It has opened a wider debate over who controls public media, how investigative journalism should operate, and how governments and broadcasters should maintain a clear separation between political power and editorial independence.