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Alert

Media pluralism under increasing threat

(RSF/IFEX) - Opposition journalist Michele Santoro's political television show "Sciuscia" will be dropped by state broadcaster RAI in October unless RAI's governing board opposes the decision when it meets on 30 August 2002. On 19 April, Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi severely criticised Santoro's show and that of his colleague Enzo Biagi ("Il Fatto") and implicitly called for their removal. RSF condemns the threat hanging over this programme, which is particularly critical of the Berlusconi government, and believes that its removal, if confirmed, will be a clear indication of Berlusconi's desire to reign in public television.




The organisation points out that RAI's three public television stations play an essential role in maintaining the pluralism of television and radio in Italy at a time when Berlusconi, through Mediaset, controls the country's three main privately-owned TV channels. Nonetheless, Berlusconi and RAI's new governing board, appointed by the new parliamentary majority in February, continue to apply pressure against journalists considered critical of the government.

RSF has twice asked to be received by Berlusconi in order to discuss the threats to media pluralism in Italy. In 2001 and 2002, the organisation addressed the Italian authorities seven times to denounce threats to press freedom. However, RSF has never received a reply and deplores the prime minister's refusal to engage in dialogue with human rights organisations.