Overview
- Rai announced on Monday that its Commissione per il Codice Etico will carry out internal verifications at the request of CEO Giampaolo Rossi and that summer reruns of the investigative programme Report have been suspended as a precaution.
- The inquiry will examine Report’s methods, the management and verification of sources, and adherence to principles of impartiality, independence and accuracy that Rai ties to European Broadcasting Union rules and the national Service Contract.
- Sigfrido Ranucci has publicly denied wrongdoing, describing himself as "tranquillissimo" and noting Report’s history of passing prior audits and legal reviews while defending the programme’s journalistic record.
- The internal move follows prosecutorial activity in Rome into an October attack outside a journalist’s home and reporting that led investigators to probe Valter Lavitola, who has told press outlets he had late‑night phone contact with Ranucci earlier this month; the Tribunale del Riesame is set to consider defence challenges that could change the criminal case.
- The Commissione’s review is distinct from a formal audit that would require judicial clearance, and its outcome could affect careers, public trust in the service broadcaster and whether a full audit or further legal steps are opened.