Journalist and host Salvo Sottile talks about the new season of the Rai 3 investigative program, including social denunciation, field investigations and defense of the most vulnerable. The schedules for the 2025/2026 television season were officially presented at the Rai studios in Naples.
For the In-depth section, director Paolo Corsini emphasized how the offer is renewed in terms of languages and formats but always faithful to the mission of the Public Service: quality of information, pluralism of voices and authoritative content. Among the most anticipated new features is Far West, the program hosted by Salvo Sottile, which will return to Rai 3 starting from Friday 3 October 2025, in prime time at 21:15 pm.
A journey into Italy's "borderlands," where rules seem suspended and the most vulnerable often pay the price. Investigations, testimonies, and reports will accompany Sottile's story, supported by a team of young correspondents. We met the host and journalist, who told us about the program's new season.
What's new in the new Far West series? What is the editorial line you intend to maintain?
"We are working on preparing a new series of episodes. This time too we will maintain our main objective: the search for truth, through investigation and direct exploration of the territory. We want to continue to shine the spotlight on little-known realities, both geographically and socially. Often, in fact, there are stories that remain in the shadows and instead deserve attention and listening"
What themes will you address in the next episodes? Are there particular threads you have chosen to explore?
"We will continue to investigate current and sensitive topics, such as the world of social networks, so-called healers and 'extreme diseases', with particular attention to those who claim to have miracle solutions. Our aim is to offer an alternative to fake news and disinformation, which spread very quickly especially online, often exploiting popular credulity"
In a media landscape dominated by the speed of social media, how difficult is it for investigative television to keep up without sacrificing quality?
"It is a complex challenge. Today we have tools like smartphones and social media that allow the immediate dissemination of news. Television, to remain competitive, must necessarily adapt to this speed. We cannot give up quality. It is essential to maintain high standards both in the technical realization of the services and in the construction of the investigations. Quality and depth must remain our beacons."
What advice would you give to the new generations of journalists who want to embark on a career in court reporting or investigative journalism?
"My advice is to arm yourself with a lot of patience. Today, doing investigative journalism is difficult: the offer is enormous, but the demand is low. The opportunities are fewer than when I started, 35 years ago. You must not be discouraged. Those who have passion, rigor and determination must continue. Consistency is the most important quality in this profession."
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Comments (3)
Investigative journalism is essential to informing the public. It is difficult to find quality news among fake news today, so it is important that programs like Far West continue to exist.
I read the interview with Salvo Sottile carefully and it seems to me that he is doing a great job. I hope that they can bring to light important stories, which otherwise would remain unknown.
The article is very interesting and provides useful information on how the new season of Far West promises to be very engaging. I wonder if there will be special guests, it would be nice to see new faces.