Press agencies and freelance journalists challenge a €30 million RAI contract bid, citing discriminatory requirements and technical barriers limiting smaller outlets.
2:44 PM
Italian news agencies and freelance journalists have renewed protests against a RAI tender worth nearly €30 million for information services, media office support, and video-photographic products, citing what they describe as discriminatory criteria and excessive requirements.
The open European tender, structured across seven lots, has drawn criticism from industry representatives who argue that the specifications risk excluding smaller and mid-sized news operations from participation. The controversy centers on technical requirements and eligibility conditions that agencies say are disproportionately demanding.
The Figec union, representing news agencies, had previously intervened on June 5 through its Unirai department, requesting modifications to the technical specifications of five of the lots. Those efforts resulted in changes to the tender requirements, particularly regarding membership criteria with the Fnsi, Italy's national press federation.
Despite those modifications, fresh objections have emerged. News agencies and freelance journalists continue to report concerns about criteria they characterize as discriminatory, excessive demands, and technical issues that could limit participation by smaller media organizations. The tender specifications remain a focal point of contention within the Italian journalism sector.
The contract covers services including news provision, media office functions, and the supply of video and photographic materials from news and photography agencies. The structure across multiple lots was intended to allow different providers to bid for specific service categories.
Industry representatives have flagged that certain outlets may face exclusion under the current framework, though specific details of which publications or agencies are affected remain contested. The debate reflects broader tensions between large media organizations and smaller independent news operations over access to public broadcasting contracts.
The RAI tender process continues amid these unresolved objections from the journalism community.
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