Italian government accused of exerting ‘ruthless’ influence at state broadcaster

Source claims Giorgia Meloni's coalition seeking to cancel Italy's antifascism footprints' amid series of high-profile Rai departures

Sources at the Italian state broadcaster, Rai, have accused Giorgia Meloni's rightwing government of wanting to bend the organisation to its will and cancel Italy's antifascism footprints" after a series of high-profile departures.

In recent weeks Carlo Fuortes resigned as chief executive, citing pressure from the government, while Fabio Fazio, a left-leaning talkshow host, and his co-presenter, Luciana Littizzetto, a comedian known for her monologues targeting conservatives, left after failing to get their contracts for the popular Che Tempo Che Fa programme renewed. More departures are expected over the coming months.