Milan, Italy. Journalists at Italian state broadcaster RAI have called a one-day byline strike for Friday, escalating a standoff with management over errors made during commentary at the opening of the Winter Olympics.
The criticism centers on commentary by Paolo Petrecca, head of RAI’s sports division, during the opening ceremony at Milan’s San Siro stadium.
Errors during the opening ceremony broadcast
Petrecca opened the evening by welcoming viewers to the “Olympic Stadium,” which is in Rome, rather than San Siro. He also misidentified Italian actress Matilda De Angelis as U.S. singer Mariah Carey and confused International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry with the daughter of Italy’s president.
He failed to recognise two members of Italy’s women’s volleyball team who were torch bearers, described Spanish athletes as “always very hot,” and said many Chinese athletes “naturally … have phones in their hands.”
Union response and lack of comment
In a note sent to staff on Wednesday, RAI journalists’ union Usigrai said the commentary represented “a serious blow to RAI’s image and to the dignity of all journalists.”
Petrecca did not respond to a request for comment. RAI has also not commented on the outcry.
Closing ceremony assignment
A source for the broadcaster said Chief Executive Giampaolo Rossi has decided not to let Petrecca commentate on the closing ceremony on February 22.
Broader context
Petrecca is seen as close to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party. The Olympics, a high-profile showcase for RAI and its broadcast technologies, have been overshadowed by the controversy.
How will the one-day byline strike affect RAI’s coverage of the Olympics?