This comment sparked a strong reaction, with accusations of bias and omission regarding the Palestinian victims, leading to debates on social media and among the television audience.
Protests also took place in several Italian cities; in Naples, pro-Palestinian groups gathered in front of the local Rai office, leading to clashes with the police.
Similarly, Dargen D'Amico criticized Rai for failing to mention the suffering of Palestinians, asserting that "ignoring part of the story helps dehumanize those already victims of the war."
In her defense, Mara Venier explained that her role as a presenter included reading the channel's official statements and that her additional comment reflected an institutional position.
[9][10] On June 8, 2024, Sergio stated that journalist Serena Bortone should have been fired for the case involving the unbroadcast monologue by writer Antonio Scurati.
[12] The structural transformation of RAI can be traced back to 2016, when then-Prime Minister Matteo Renzi (Democratic Party) introduced reforms aimed at curbing partisan influence.
When Giorgia Meloni assumed office in 2022, her administration quickly utilized this framework to consolidate influence over RAI, further tightening government control over Italy’s leading public broadcaster.
During this year's broadcast, renowned author Antonio Scurati was scheduled to read an antifascist text but was abruptly removed from the program under the pretext of budgetary concerns.
According to researcher Émile Poivet, Meloni’s administration (along with Rai CEO’s complicity) has fostered a culture of compliance, rewarding those willing to align with its vision while sidelining dissenting voices.
In response, some media professionals have migrated to independent outlets such as La7 and Nove, while others have staged strikes to protest what they describe as a "stifling control" by the government.