The Ethics Committee's report on the affair involving Sigfrido Ranucci has been delivered to CEO Giampaolo Rossi, prompting a decision on the hosting of Report. Rossi will now take a few days to read the contents, which have been classified, as is standard practice for this type of documentation, and will make his assessment—as company sources explain—fully independently, as it is merely a consultative and non-binding opinion, and therefore does not automatically determine the editorial decision regarding a possible replacement for the host. The fact remains that there is widespread discontent at the top levels of public television over the reputational damage the affair is causing the company.

So much so that the top brass is not hiding their impatience and concern over the potential repercussions, including in terms of advertising revenue. All eyes are on the investigation's continuation, as the details of Valter Lavitola's actions remain unclear, to the point that the Rome investigating judge himself, in the order confirming the businessman's prison sentence, spoke of "vague and completely vague statements" as well as an "unlikely" motive for his interrogation. In this wake, the majority is increasingly critical of the host, accused by several Fratelli d'Italia members of opaqueness, for failing to clarify matters, for example, why "on the day of the search, Lavitola spent two hours on the phone with the alleged instigator of the attack, trying to arrange an alibi for Lavitola himself."

Ranucci, who may be questioned by magistrates, perhaps in September, has been communicating publicly only through social media for several days and has not released any statements. His lawyer describes him as incredulous, saying "he could never have imagined, and I don't think anyone could, that a friend could go to such lengths." "To his dismay are added doubts about the true intent behind such a criminal and dangerous act." The evidence emerging from the investigation was also examined by RAI's Ethics Committee, which assessed any conduct that may have violated ethical principles. These included the dissemination of confidential emails from the company's inbox, such as one sent to him by Paolo Corsini, director of the Investigative section, calling for a rebalancing of Report's investigations, which was forwarded to Lavitola by the host, and the latter's criticisms of Rossi and RAI via WhatsApp for the circular that removed the hosts from editorial control of the programs. Finally, there was a voice message in which Ranucci spoke of the presence of the Mafia and Freemasonry in the company, or of unauthorized access to the company.

Discontent at the top, however, suggests a precautionary suspension for Ranucci, pending further investigations with the opening of a formal audit after the summer break, to assess the editorial staff's overall work and impose any sanctions. The process of deciding who will succeed him has been underway for some time, but it's a complex decision, not imminent, due to the potential political repercussions and the need to preserve a brand like Report with a reputable reputation. A choice from within the editorial staff remains less likely than an outsider. Longtime host Milena Gabanelli has reportedly been consulted for advice on the situation, while rumors place Peter Gomez, the editor of Ilfattoquotidiano.it, in pole position. However, he hasn't been contacted and is said to be reading reports of his appointment from his vacation. The journalist will also host La Confessione in prime time on Rai3, while the arrival of Massimo Giletti, who will be at the helm of Lo Stato delle Cose, is also unlikely.

(Unioneonline)

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