Report staff deny seeking Ranucci’s removal after judge rejects reinstatement

Sigfrido Ranucci, the presenter of the Italian investigative programme Report, was not reinstated after a labor judge rejected his request on Friday.

The judge’s decision cited the newsroom’s dissatisfaction as a valid reason for his removal.

Report journalists say they never called for Ranucci to be removed or expressed no confidence in him.

The newsroom’s new presenter, Claudia Di Pasquale, said the dispute had left everyone worse off and that the programme would need to prove its independence.

Ranucci said his colleagues could have sent him a message earlier.

A disputed email in which he rejected a proposal to work alongside two colleagues was presented to the judge by his deputy, Giorgio Mottola.

Rai has offered Ranucci three positions in place of presenting Report, and he must choose one on Sunday.

He says he will keep fighting and is not ready to retire.