Andrea Vianello, a prominent figure in Italian journalism, has announced his departure from Rai after 35 years of service, coinciding with his 64th birthday on April 25, 2025. The announcement was made via a post on X, where he expressed gratitude to friends and colleagues, stating, "After 35 years of life, news, live broadcasts, programs, emotions, and incredible experiences, I have decided to leave my Rai. Consensual agreement. I thank friends and colleagues, it has been an honor and a magnificent ride. I will always carry with me wherever I go the sense of public service." This statement underscores the emotional weight of his departure, which is described as amicable yet tinged with the complexities of recent political changes within the organization.
Vianello's exit comes amid a backdrop of political shifts at Rai, particularly following the new center-right administration that took over in 2023. He was previously moved from directing Rai Giornale Radio and Rai RadioUno to the general direction of Rai San Marino, a transition that reportedly weighed heavily on him. His resignation was submitted as immediate and irrevocable in March 2024 to then-CEO Roberto Sergio. The Cdr of Tg3 expressed regret over Vianello's departure, suggesting that he is yet another high-level colleague marginalized for political reasons, contributing to a growing concern about the erosion of professional integrity within the network.
Born in Rome on April 25, 1961, Andrea Vianello began his career at Rai in 1990 after several years of collaborations with various newspapers and magazines. His journey through the ranks is notable; he initially worked as a reporter for Gr1 and then moved to Rai's Unified Radio News, where he covered significant events such as the Capaci and via D'Amelio bombings and the kidnapping of Faruk Kassam. Vianello's television career began in earnest in 1998 with the program "Radio Anch'io," which he curated and hosted until 2002. He later transitioned to television, where he became known for hosting shows like "Tele anch'io" on Rai2 and "Mi manda Rai3" on Rai3, which solidified his public profile.
In 2012, he was appointed director of Rai3, a role he held for three years before moving to other significant positions within the organization, including director of Rai News 24 and Rai Radio1. His contributions to Rai have been substantial, with many of his programs becoming staples of Italian public broadcasting. Vianello's experience is marked not only by his professional achievements but also by personal challenges, including a serious health incident in 2019 when he suffered a stroke that temporarily affected his ability to speak. He chronicled this experience in his 2020 book, "Ogni parola che sapevo," which details his rehabilitation journey.
Despite the amicable tone of his resignation, the circumstances surrounding Vianello's exit have raised eyebrows within the media community. The Cdr of Tg3 commented on the troubling trend of high-level departures from Rai, attributing it to political motivations and expressing hope that the organization can regain its footing in the national media landscape without succumbing to ideological pressures that could diminish its value to the public. This sentiment reflects a broader concern among journalists regarding the future of public service broadcasting in Italy.
Vianello's career has been characterized by a commitment to public service and a dedication to journalistic integrity. His departure is not just a personal milestone but also a significant moment for Rai, as it grapples with the implications of political influence on its operations. The future holds uncertain prospects for both Vianello and Rai, as he prepares for new endeavors while the network seeks to navigate the challenges posed by its changing leadership and audience expectations.
As Andrea Vianello closes this chapter of his professional life, he leaves behind a legacy of impactful journalism and a commitment to the values of public broadcasting. His next steps remain to be seen, but his influence on Italian media is undeniable. The hope is that Rai will honor the principles of public service that Vianello embodied during his long tenure, ensuring that the network continues to serve the informational needs of the Italian public in a fair and balanced manner.
