The most recent transmission of Santoro’s “Anno Zero” was dedicated to the DICO { DICO = "DIritti e doveri delle persone stabilmente COnviventi" = Rights and duties of stable cohabiting couples}. Among those present were some citizens who openly declared their homosexuality, among these a mayor (who has been elected many times) and his companion. In the room there was also a government representative who at a certain point in the debate, following a 21 year old’s observations, made in a polite way and without offensive behaviour, decided to abandon the transmission without caring about those present or those watching on TV.
His exit was greeted with a long applause of freedom. The programme presenter then commented on: “the arrogance of politics” that removes itself from facing up to a discussion with the citizens.
In the days that followed, affirmations of solidarity with the fleeing Minister arrived from many parties among which was Forza Italia. Through the mouth of Berlusconi, they thundered against “the unworthy attack” and “the attack against the moderates and the Church”.
Claudio Cappon, director general of the RAI, has asked for a meeting with Michele Santoro and Antonio Marano, the director of RAI 2 to discuss “principles of impartiality and completeness of information in public service”.
We are obliged to offer solidarity to Santoro and to start the reform of the radio TV system that is today under the ownership of Berlusconi and the parties. Politicians are not an elected race. They are at the service of the citizens and they must respond to their questions.
We advise Cappon to busy himself with other matters instead of calling to order a journalist who does his job. Let him look to the citizens rather than to the politicians.