Rome – A state of unrest and strike action, if necessary, was announced by the 'Report' journalists' assembly, which explained the reasons for the decision in a statement. "The in-house journalists of the Report editorial staff, having acknowledged the arbitrary, as yet unexplained decision by the company, to replace Sigfrido Ranucci as host of the program, support and agree with all the demands expressed by the correspondents, who have announced, in the absence of a change of heart by RAI, that they are ready to leave the program," the journalists wrote.
"Report," they explain, "cannot exist without its correspondents and its editorial staff, production staff, filmmakers, and editors, who over the years have developed specific skills and work to ensure a quality product, an authentic expression of public service."
For the editorial team of this investigative program, "only a solid professional background and the authority gained in the field can meet the production needs and investigative requirements of a complex, sensitive program of the highest civic value, as Report has proven to be throughout its long history, offering the public a contribution inspired by the most authentic republican values."
Report's internal journalists "are not willing, in any way, to accept impositions imposed from above which, not responding to these criteria, can be ascribed to a purely political matrix that totally distorts the vocation and DNA of the program."
'They also express dismay at the method used by the Company in unilaterally and uninformedly selecting the new presenters, who were announced to the press agencies before being announced to the team,' the editorial staff stated.
"They are asking the company to correct the decisions it has made, which are unacceptable to those who, professionally, have always identified with the identity and values of Report and which could force them to make different career choices." The journalists of the Rai3 program also "request the editorial staff's direct involvement in company decisions, in order to preserve the autonomy and independence of a key aspect of the public service. The journalists' assembly therefore declares a state of unrest and reserves the right to implement further democratic initiatives, including a strike."
Article 21 demonstration in front of the RAI headquarters in Naples
Article 21 and Imbavagliati – International Festival of Civil Journalism, in collaboration with FreedAssangeNapoli, have called a public demonstration in defense of Sigfrido Ranucci, Report , and the autonomy of public service journalism for Saturday, September 5, at 12 noon, on Viale Marconi in front of the RAI headquarters.
"We invite," say the organizers, "journalists, associations, movements, civil society groups, representatives of the cultural world, and all citizens who care about freedom of the press to participate. During the demonstration, we also propose a simple, collective gesture: a red X over the mouth, symbolizing information that cannot and must not be muzzled."
Frequently asked questions about the 'Report' situation
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding the recent unrest involving 'Report' journalists.
Why are the journalists at 'Report' so agitated?
Journalists are agitated by the company's decision to replace Sigfrido Ranucci as host of the program, which they consider arbitrary and unmotivated.
What do journalists ask the Company?
They ask for the decisions made to be corrected and to be involved in corporate decisions to preserve the autonomy and independence of the program.
What could happen if the requests are not accepted?
If there is no change of heart, journalists are ready to implement further democratic struggle initiatives, including a strike.
Is there a public event scheduled?
Yes, a demonstration is planned in Naples for September 5th, in defense of Sigfrido Ranucci and the autonomy of journalism.
