RAI reform, EU turns spotlight on Italy and Meloni government

Brussels – Members of governments being allowed to appear on TV without time limits and without contradiction, RAI journalists disassociating themselves, the National Press Federation (FNSI) rioting, and the European Commission turning the spotlight on Italy. The majority’s new moves do not go unnoticed in Brussels, where, for now, they remain on the fence. “The Commission will continue to monitor developments related to media freedom in all Member States,” including Italy, “including with regard to the governance of public service media,” a spokesperson for the EU executive said. The situation will be analyzed “particularly in the context of the preparation of the Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law Report.”

At the moment, in Brussels, they admit that they do not have a definite position on the draft amendments to national regulations on politicians’ participation in television programs. They remind, however, what the European rules are. “In general terms,” the same spokesman clarifies, “it is essential in any democracy that the media be independent and provide citizens with access to a plurality of opinions and reliable sources of information. This, it is stressed, “is especially important during election periods.”

In short, rules sought by the government and majority that violate “par condicio” and pluralism would trigger infringement proceedings for Italy. For the time being, the Commission does not intend to act but merely warns. The European Action Plan for democracy, adopted by the Commission in 2020, already stressed the importance of equal treatment and balanced media coverage during elections. And then there is the freshly passed Media Freedom Act, which enshrines more rights and protection for journalists. The Lega and Fratelli d’Italia abstained, reflecting a view of press freedom that differs from European standards.

Italy is in the crosshairs after already ending up in the eye of the storm over criticism from the Council of Europe (a non-EU institution). The organization for the promotion of fundamental rights has already accused the current government of using “easy lawsuits” to reduce press freedom in the country.