Buttafuoco's programme disappears from the Radio1 landscape: risk of cancellation for the 10 minutes at 7am

Pietrangelo Buttafuoco’s radio program, Lupus in Fabula, faces potential cancellation from Radio 1 Rai after failing to secure a place in the finalized schedule for September. The show, which airs daily from 6:50 AM to 7:00 AM, has been removed from initial drafts prepared by director Nicola Rao. According to reports, Buttafuoco was informed that the time slot would be allocated to another purpose, despite his segment lasting just ten minutes. The decision comes amid broader scrutiny over Buttafuoco's leadership of the Venice Biennale Foundation, where he controversially chose to reinstate Russia’s pavilion following its exclusion in previous years. The removal of Lupus in Fabula from the schedule appears to be part of a larger restructuring process. Official schedules will be finalized and presented in September, with current documents being informal and subject to change. However, early versions of these schedules have already excluded Buttafuoco’s program, raising concerns about its future. The timing of this decision coincides with ongoing controversies surrounding Buttafuoco’s tenure at the Venice Biennale, where his decision to allow Russia’s participation has drawn criticism from Italian cultural authorities. Buttafuoco had previously decided to reopen the Russian pavilion at the Biennale, a move that sparked backlash from the Italian government. Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli reportedly objected to the choice, leading to Buttafuoco’s absence from the opening ceremony. This decision triggered a mass resignation of the Biennale jury in protest. Recently, the European Commission revoked approximately €2 million in funding for the event, further complicating the situation for Buttafuoco and the foundation. The controversy surrounding the Venice Biennale has placed additional pressure on Buttafuoco’s media presence. His program, which blends literature with current affairs, has long been a staple of Radio 1 Rai’s morning lineup. By removing Lupus in Fabula from the schedule, the network may be signaling a shift in priorities, possibly influenced by political considerations related to Buttafuoco’s role at the Biennale. The decision could also reflect internal discussions within Rai about the balance of content and the influence of external factors on programming choices. Buttafuoco’s position as president of the Venice Biennale Foundation has become increasingly precarious. The loss of EU funding and the resignations of key figures have raised questions about the stability of the institution under his leadership. These developments may have contributed to the perceived risk of losing his radio program, particularly given the sensitivity of the issues involved. While the exact reasons behind the proposed cancellation remain unclear, the timing suggests a possible alignment with broader institutional pressures. Radio 1 Rai has yet to officially confirm the cancellation of Lupus in Fabula. However, the absence of the program from the preliminary schedule indicates that the decision is likely to proceed unless new information emerges. Buttafuoco has not publicly commented on the situation, though his past statements suggest he may challenge the decision through formal channels. The outcome of this dispute could have implications for both his media career and the future direction of the Venice Biennale. The potential cancellation of Lupus in Fabula highlights the intersection of media and politics in Italy. As a platform for intellectual discourse, the program has served as a bridge between literature and public affairs. Its removal, if confirmed, would mark a significant shift in Radio 1 Rai’s approach to content selection, potentially reflecting broader changes in the organization’s editorial strategy. Meanwhile, the continued fallout from the Venice Biennale controversy underscores the complex dynamics at play in cultural institutions and their relationship with national policy.