Ranucci, the Court rejects the appeal: no reinstatement at Report

Two weeks after the hearing, the Rome Labor Court rejected Sigfrido Ranucci's urgent appeal to return to the hosting of Report. The journalist had challenged RAI's decision on August 28th to remove him from the program.

The company had offered the former host three alternative positions: deputy editor of Tg3 or RaiNews, or head of the Cairo correspondent bureau. Ranucci challenged the decision in court, requesting reinstatement as writer and host.

The reorganization and tensions in the editorial office

In the order, which is over 30 pages long, the judges reconstruct the affair and also recall the attack suffered by the journalist in October 2025. According to the Court, the reorganization of the editorial staff, with a change in management and in the writing team, appears — "upon a cursory examination" — separate from the parallel disciplinary matter and aimed at managing internal tensions and protecting the work of the editorial staff.

The judges also believe that the articles and media hype surrounding the attack contributed to a climate of tension, impacting the group's functioning. The order states that some editors expressed their distress to both Ranucci and the journalist's superior.

The complaint, according to the ruling, was confirmed by Ranucci himself at the hearing. The journalist reported that his colleagues had asked him to address the media pressure together and reorganize the program to "prop up Report" around him.

Rai's position

In its appeal, RAI argued that the choice of a program's host and writing team falls within the prerogatives of the publishing company. According to the company, a journalist has no subjective right to hold a specific position within television programming.

The judges' assessment was made in the context of a precautionary proceeding, characterized by a summary investigation. The rejection therefore concerns Ranucci's urgent request for reinstatement.

The crux of political pressure

The order also examines alleged pressure from members of the government majority on RAI's decisions. The judges state that such pressure, while deemed improper, does not in itself constitute sufficient evidence of "effective and decisive" interference, given the other evidence gathered in the proceedings.

The reactions

Ranucci's lawyers, Franco Focareta, Franco Scarpelli, Stefano Rossi, and Roberto De Vita, stated that they respect the decision but do not agree with it. "The precautionary decision does not exhaust a matter that raises key questions about the relationship between organizational power, professional autonomy, and freedom of information in public service," they stated, adding that they will evaluate "further initiatives to be taken in the appropriate forums."

Rai board member Federica Frangi expressed her satisfaction, saying the decision recognizes the work done by company management in adhering to procedures and fulfilling their responsibilities. Frangi expressed hope that the ruling will help restore a climate of serenity.