RAI suspends staff appearances on rival networks ahead of March referendum
Italian state broadcaster RAI has barred journalists and other staff from appearing on competing networks during the referendum campaign period.
6 hrs ago
RAI, Italy's state broadcaster, has suspended the ability of its staff—both journalists and non-journalists—to participate in television and radio programs on competing networks during the upcoming referendum campaign.
The directive was issued January 14 in a circular signed by RAI Chief Executive Officer Giampaolo Rossi. The memo addresses the "Consultazioni referendarie 22-23 marzo 2026," the referendum dates established by the Council of Ministers in recent days.
The circular states that during the entire period when equal airtime regulations, known as "Par Condicio," apply, RAI personnel are prohibited from appearing on programs broadcast by rival networks. The measure covers both on-air and external interventions, particularly regarding topics related to the judicial reform at the center of the referendum.
The communication references existing company authorization procedures and directs competent departments to enforce the suspension strictly. RAI management invoked the Par Condicio regulations—which govern balanced media coverage during electoral and referendum periods—as the legal basis for the restriction.
The practical effect of the circular is that RAI staff will have no appearances on other networks and no external commentary on competing broadcasts during the campaign period leading up to the March 22-23 referendum vote.
The directive has generated discussion within Italy's media sector. The circular represents an unusual measure in scope and application, affecting the entire RAI workforce rather than only editorial personnel.