Rai launches internal investigation into the Ranucci case
The Ethics Committee will examine how the investigative programme’s sources were handled. The presenter’s response: ‘I’m completely unfazed, but there’s an attack on *Report*’
Key points
Rai is launching an internal investigation into the Sigfrido Ranucci case. The presenter of *Report* has responded immediately, rejecting any suggestion of impropriety regarding his editorial team’s work.
The Ethics Code Committee, set up at the instigation of the chief executive, will be handling the matter. In the coming days, the committee will begin its preliminary investigation into the deputy director of Rai, whilst the judicial authorities continue to investigate the bomb attack against Ranucci in October 2025 and into the alleged involvement of the former fixer Valter Lavitola.
The Code of Ethics
Viale Mazzini has therefore decided to take action. However, it is doing so, at least for the time being, without resorting to the most far-reaching tool available: an audit. Company sources explain that such a procedure would have required authorisation from the Public Prosecutor’s Office and could have risked overlapping with the judicial investigation. Instead, the Commission will have to investigate any potential breaches of the principles set out in the public concessionaire’s Code of Ethics. It remains possible that an audit may also be launched at a later stage, should evidence emerge that makes it necessary.
Spotlight on investigative journalism
In its statement, Rai emphasises the obligations of investigative journalism. The organisation, ‘in line with EBU guidelines and in accordance with the current Service Contract’, states that it is required to adopt ‘clear and unambiguous’ criteria: impartiality, independence, accuracy in its investigations, rigorous verification of sources and their proper management.
It is a list that makes no explicit accusations, but precisely defines the scope of the investigations. At the same time, Rai emphasises the need to protect its own image and that of public service journalism, highlighting the work of the professionals employed in its publications, regional newsrooms, foreign bureaus and investigative programmes.
