Rai weighs removing Report host Sigfrido Ranucci after bombing suspect ties emerge

State broadcaster Rai is evaluating whether to suspend Sigfrido Ranucci from hosting the investigative programme Report, following weeks of political controversy surrounding his relationship with businessman Valter Lavitola. Government officials, led by Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, have demanded Ranucci's removal from the broadcast. Rai Chief Executive Giampaolo Rossi requested supplementary information from the internal ethics committee, with company executives leaning toward reassigning Ranucci to alternative editorial duties rather than dismissing him. Former Report host Milena Gabanelli publicly rejected invitations to return after leading the programme for 20 years.

I do not intend to return, also because the ritual of exhumation is not right.

Ranucci's defense counsel Roberto De Vita contested any potential suspension, arguing that removing the journalist would transform the victim of a violent attack into a target of political retaliation.

Any initiative Rai were to take at this time regarding Sigfrido Ranucci, and therefore the Report program, would inevitably be tainted by falsehoods that, despite the clear and unequivocal position of the judicial authorities regarding the victim and his unawareness, have been incessantly fueled by specious controversies, even within the company.

Bombing inquiry and political polling ties

The controversy stems from an attack on 16 October, when a bomb exploded outside Ranucci's residence in Pomezia, south of Rome, destroying two cars belonging to him and his daughter. Rome prosecutors arrested Lavitola on 10 August 2026 as the alleged instigator of the attack. Lavitola told investigators he intended only to arrange gunfire to prompt authorities to increase Ranucci's police escort. Investigators established that Lavitola paid 1,000 euros to the lowest-ranking participant among four material executors recruited by handyman Clesio Tavares.

Interceptions by Rome prosecutors revealed that Lavitola spent between 8,000 and 10,000 euros on political polling from 2024 onward to test Ranucci's viability as a center-left prime ministerial candidate alternative to Elly Schlein and Giuseppe Conte. The wiretaps showed daily telephone contact between the two men. Lavitola acted as a source for Report broadcasts, including pressuring journalist Daniele Autieri regarding coverage of the Vittoria shipyard in Adria.

Broadcaster restrictions and live denials

Rai management instructed Ranucci on 19 August 2026 to seek company permission before making public statements. Appearing at a book presentation for Diario di un trapezista in Fiera di Primiero, Ranucci informed reporters that unauthorized comments would trigger formal disciplinary audits leading to dismissal.

This morning Rai reminded me that for every statement I must ask for authorization, otherwise they reopen the ethical code, the audit, and another disciplinary proceeding.

During the live broadcast of the television show In Onda later that evening, Ranucci sent real-time text messages to presenters Luca Telese and Emiliano Fittipaldi. The messages denied published claims that he had asked prosecutors to investigate third parties or described Lavitola as a psychiatric case.

Legal dispute with appellate judge

The dispute expanded into the judiciary after Rome Court of Appeal Judge Clementina Forleo published comments on Facebook on 16 August 2026. Forleo asked why Ranucci sought to remain at Report and suggested he should face extortion inquiries over alleged threats to release chat logs. De Vita announced defamation filings against the magistrate, while Forleo responded that her comments reflected reporting by Il Foglio and journalist Salvo Sottile.

Parliamentary scrutiny will intensify in September 2026, when parliamentary leaders plan to reconstitute the Rai Vigilance Commission to hold formal hearings with Ranucci, Rossi, and In-Depth Director Paolo Corsini.