Italian journalist and author Corrado Augias continues to make significant waves on television, consistently offering insightful critiques and reflections during his appearances on various talk shows. On February 25, 2025, Augias featured as one of the guests on La7's diMartedì, hosted by Giovanni Floris, where he delved deepinto pressing political issues, including the influence of Donald Trump on global politics and the rise of far-right parties like the Alternative for Germany (AFD).
Augias, alongside fellow guest Ilaria Capua, engaged in discussions concerning the fragility of Western democracies and Italy's positioning within this complex international framework. The diverse topics served to not only inform viewers about current political climates but also to provoke thoughtful dialogue about the future of democratic institutions.
During the episode, the conversation shifted toward domestic issues, highlighting the legal troubles faced by members of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s administration. This segment underscored the turbulent nature of Italian politics amid increasing scrutiny of government officials and their decisions.
Adding depth to the political analysis, Augias remarked on the controversial greeting by Steve Bannon, describing it as potentially seen as fascist or Nazi based on its execution, “ If this is parallel to the ground, it is Nazi; if it is raised above head almost parallel, it becomes fascist. But this is not Roman salute”. His remarks sparked interest and debate among viewers, illustrating his knack for merging historical perspectives with contemporary events.
On the same day, another of Augias's recent endeavors, La Torre di Babele, aired on La7, paying homage to the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The special episode drew attention not only for its somber content but also for its engaging presentation, co-hosted with notable guests including linguist Luciano Canfora and constitutional law expert Gustavo Zagrebelsky.
Through this episode, which garnered over 1 million viewers, Augias led discussions on the global consequences of the war, emphasizing how political power dynamics shift amid crises. His ability to connect historical narratives to current events resonates with audiences, making him one of the standout figures on Italian television.
With approximately 5.2% of the viewing audience tuning in, La Torre di Babele successfully addressed the dire consequences of the conflict and the intricacies of war's impact on society. Alongside the main discussion, viewers were treated to the documentary 'Lirica Ucraina,' which provided additional historical and cultural insights surrounding the conflict. This documentary alone captivated nearly 300,000 viewers, underlining the strong reception of Augias's programming.
Despite his recent successes, competition remains fierce on Italian television. On the same night, the premiere of the drama series Belcanto on Rai1 took the lead with 20.7% viewing share, effectively overshadowing the reality show Grande Fratello, which had moderately increased to 17%. The viewing habits of Italians seem to be gravitating toward more serious narratives infused with cultural reflection, as evidenced by the enthusiastic response to both Augias’s political discourse and the cultural contexts he promotes.
On February 24, ratings revealed Augias's programming securing one of the top spots among talk shows, showcasing the enduring interest of viewers drawn to serious discussion about arts, culture, and politics. With prominent figures like Max Giusti and Teresa Mannino also contributing to the evening's success, the battle for dominance among Italian talk shows is vibrant and dynamic. Augias’s discussions remain timely, especially as Italy navigates through various political scenarios amid global challenges.
The combination of insightful commentary and engaging discussions ensures Corrado Augias will remain a pivotal presence on Italian television, providing viewers with valuable perspectives on pressing political and cultural issues of our time. His unique approach to framing these discussions enhances public intelligence and discourse, marking him as more than just another television personality but as a solid anchor for the exploration of contemporary society.