Ranucci is moving on, working on the new Report cycle.

Sigfrido Ranucci continues his work on the new cycle of Report, according to recent reports. The journalist has reportedly discussed the project during a meeting with Paolo Corsini, director of Rai’s Approfondimento division, following the fallout over the Lavitola affair. This comes despite ongoing scrutiny and internal tensions within Rai, particularly after the Ethics Committee delivered its findings to Rai's board chairman, Giampaolo Rossi. At this stage, there is no indication that Ranucci will step back from his role, nor are there confirmed plans for him to seek compensation from the broadcaster should he be removed from the show. The situation remains delicate, with the board awaiting further developments while monitoring the legal consequences of Lavitola’s conviction. The controversy surrounding Ranucci has sparked concern among senior figures at Rai regarding the potential damage to the public broadcaster’s reputation. There are fears that the scandal could affect advertising revenue, though officials have emphasized that Report has historically been a valuable asset for the network. Legal representatives of Ranucci, including lawyer Roberto De Vita, have responded to these concerns by highlighting what they describe as a paradoxical situation. They argue that a journalist who has faced serious accusations is being blamed for harming the image of the media outlet, which in turn leads to calls for their removal, a stance they claim undermines democratic principles. Under investigation by the Ethics Committee, Ranucci’s conduct has been scrutinized for possible violations of journalistic ethics. This includes messages sent via WhatsApp expressing criticism toward Rossi and the Rai leadership, a voicemail referencing organized crime and Freemasonry within the organization, and a private email from Corsini requesting a more balanced approach to investigative reporting, which was shared with Lavitola. During his appearance before the committee, Ranucci allegedly provided detailed responses that cleared up any doubts about unfounded political or journalistic claims against him, according to his legal team. Tensions persist within Rai’s Board of Directors, with some members emphasizing the need to determine whether Ranucci’s relationship with Lavitola influenced the content of Report. Alessandro Di Majo and Roberto Natale warn that discussions shifting towards personal interactions, social media posts, or behaviors unrelated to editorial choices could lead to an uncomfortable debate. Meanwhile, Federica Frangi, another board member, argues that while independence is crucial, accountability must also be upheld. She stresses that the Rai has a right and responsibility to evaluate the behavior of those who contribute to the program, and that the value of Report should not shield individuals from scrutiny. Ranucci has not issued any public statements, but he recently posted on Facebook an article by Sandro Ruotolo, head of information for the Democratic Party. The piece highlights the government’s call for Ranucci’s replacement and the party’s complaint to the European Union Commission. Ruotolo has written to Henna Virkkunen, the EU’s deputy executive vice-president, to draw attention to repeated criticisms of Ranucci by Deputy Premier Matteo Salvini and the request made to Rai to suspend him from hosting Report. This issue, according to Ruotolo, touches on the independence of public broadcasting and the application of the European Media Freedom Act. In contrast, FdI MP Salvatore Deidda has announced an inquiry into the ministers responsible for economy and industry, arguing that the independence of public service media is under threat and that European principles are being violated. The debate over Ranucci’s future appears to be intensifying, with political and institutional forces weighing in on both sides of the issue. As the situation unfolds, the outcome will likely depend on how the board decides to balance journalistic freedom with organizational integrity.