Feb 8 • 11:11 UTC 🇮🇹 Italy La Repubblica

Commentary on Gaffes, Usigrai Insists: 'It's Useless to Silence Us, Citizens Already Know'

The controversy regarding Rai's shortcomings during the opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics continues, with the Usigrai union demanding accountability from Rai executives.

The ongoing controversy surrounding Rai's performance, particularly that of Rai Sport director Paolo Petrecca, during the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, has not subsided. The Usigrai union has raised its voice, criticizing the network's refusal to publish a statement that calls on the company’s top management to take responsibility for the inadequate commentary during the Olympic opening event. This incident has triggered widespread media mockery and discontent among athletes, leading to official requests for apologies.

Today’s press coverage reflects the dissatisfaction with the evening's telecast, highlighting the inappropriate nature of the commentary that left many feeling disappointed. The Usigrai statement emphasizes the depth of the public's frustration and how the management persists in maintaining a troubling silence regarding the issue. As the union pushes for acknowledgment and corrective measures from the Rai leadership, the tension between the media's responsibility and the expectations of the public remains palpable.

The response from Rai's management has been criticized as an attempt to impose silence on the discontent voiced by journalists and citizens alike. The organization’s reluctance to support its journalists not only undermines their credibility but also amplifies the frustration among those who witnessed the event. As the stakes rise with the Olympics in the spotlight, the pressure on Rai to rectify its missteps and engage openly with both its employees and the public grows increasingly urgent.

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