01/08/2025
In this episode of the MFRR interview series, Sielke Kelner (OBCT) speaks with Renate Schroeder, Director of the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), and Daniele Macheda, Secretary-General of USIGRai, the RAI journalists’ union, to explore growing concerns about the independence and integrity of Italy’s public service broadcaster, RAI.
With the deadline for the implementation of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) fast approaching, the conversation begins with an analysis of the implications of Article 5 of the EMFA. It then delves into recent parliamentary activities in Italy concerning the long-awaited reforms of the public broadcaster, the current situation in RAI’s newsrooms, and places the Italian case within the broader context of European media trends.
The implementation of the EMFA in Italy—as in other EU member states—should not be seen as a mere symbolic gesture to avoid EU sanctions, but rather as a genuine commitment to rebuilding a pluralistic and independent media environment.