Journalists at Italy’s influential public broadcaster, Rai, went on strike on Monday in a deepening confrontation with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing government.In a video statement, the Union of Rai Journalists — which represents about 75 per cent of the broadcaster’s 2,000 journalists — complained about editorial interference and working conditions as they launched what organisers say will be five, non-consecutive days of labour action.
“We would rather lose one or a few days of pay than lose our freedom,” said the union announcement, which was broadcast on Rai channels. “The autonomy and freedom of Rai is of value to all.”
The union last month accused the broadcaster’s governing board — which is dominated by Meloni government appointees — of seeking to transform the network “into the megaphone of the ruling party”, and said the atmosphere was “more suffocating every day”.