Viale Mazzini riparte tra molte conferme e qualche scommessa

The Rai, Italy’s public broadcasting corporation, has unveiled its programming plans for the upcoming 2026-2027 season during a press conference held in Ancona, a city designated as the capital of culture for the year. This event marked a significant shift in strategy, as the organization aimed to move beyond its traditional spaces and bring its services closer to the public. Giampaolo Rossi, the administrator delegate of Rai, emphasized this new direction, stating that the goal was to immerse the service in the streets, among people, and within communities, rather than merely reporting on Italy from a distance. This approach reflects a broader ambition to make the public service more interactive and integrated into daily life.

A central point of discussion was the continued involvement of Stefano De Martino as the artistic director of the Sanremo Music Festival, which will take place in 2028. De Martino's role has been secured under a two-year contract, ensuring his presence at both the festival and the popular television show *Affari Tuoi*. His tenure includes overseeing the selection process for the Eurovision Song Contest, reinforcing his influence in the entertainment sector. Additionally, there were indications that Amadeus might return to the fold after previously stepping away, though this remains speculative at this stage.

The press conference also addressed the departure of Federica Sciarelli from the investigative program *Chi l’ha Visto?* following her decision to leave the show. Stefano Coletta, the current director of the program, declined the opportunity to take over Sciarelli’s position, expressing personal disappointment but acknowledging the need for each individual to pursue their path. Coletta highlighted the emotional significance of *Chi l’ha Visto?*, noting his long-standing connection to the show as a former head of production. He expressed hope that Sciarelli would reconsider her decision, underscoring the importance of continuity in such critical programming.

In terms of new initiatives, the Rai announced the launch of two thematic channels: one focused on regional content named *Italiana*, and another targeting younger audiences called *V/be*. These additions aim to diversify the offerings and cater to specific demographic segments. Furthermore, the network introduced several new programs, including *Patù* on Rai2, hosted by Roberto Inciocchi, and *Ore 14*, now led by Salvo Sottile. On Rai3, changes included the continuation of *Filorosso* with Antonino Monteleone, alongside new formats such as *L’Elefante* by Peter Gomez and *Dentro la Truffa* by Roberta Bruzzone. These developments reflect an effort to modernize the network while maintaining its historical identity.

The information segment saw a restructuring of existing formats and the introduction of new ones. Programs such as *2 di Picche* with Tommaso Cerno were confirmed, while *Agorà* welcomed Annalisa Bruchi. The administration also indicated a potential reduction in the number of department heads, aiming to streamline operations and enhance decision-making efficiency. This organizational change underscores a broader push towards simplification and increased responsiveness within the corporation.

As part of the programming lineup, several new fictional series were announced, including *Doc 4* and *La Famiglia Panini*. Cultural programs such as *Le Cose Che Non Sai* with Eleonora Daniele and *La Biblioteca dei Sentimenti* with Maria Latella were also highlighted, showcasing the Rai’s commitment to diverse content. Additionally, special events were planned, including a unique evening dedicated to Roberto Benigni and a Latin music awards ceremony, further enriching the schedule.

The overall strategy outlined by Giampaolo Rossi emphasizes a balance between tradition and innovation, seeking to maintain the core elements that define Rai’s programming while embracing new formats and approaches. This includes a focus on expanding digital capabilities and ensuring that the public service remains relevant and accessible to all Italians. As the new season approaches, these developments signal a dynamic phase for Rai, reflecting its ongoing efforts to adapt and evolve in response to changing viewer expectations and technological advancements.