Rai CEO Giampaolo Rossi presented the broadcaster’s new schedules in Ancona today Friday, July 4 in front of the press, outlining the public broadcaster’s editorial strategy for the coming season.Among the main announcements is the launch of two new channels: Italiana for Local Territories and VBE for Young Audiences. The first is designed to strengthen Rai’s link with Italian culture, identity and tradition, while the second is aimed at a younger audience, with a more contemporary and youth-oriented positioning. At the same time, the launch of channels such as Italiana inevitably recalls the debate around Rai’s current identity and its positioning under the so-called “Telemeloni” label, a term often used in the Italian media debate to describe the broadcaster’s perceived political alignment.
On Rai 1, entertainment will continue to focus on established mainstream shows and live events. From autumn, the network will add Wednesday night to its traditional Friday and Saturday entertainment slots. Returning titles include Affari Tuoi, hosted by Stefano De Martino, which will feature a renewed studio and some format updates; Tale e Quale Show, hosted by Carlo Conti and moving to Wednesday night with a refreshed jury; Ballando con le Stelle, hosted by Milly Carlucci and now in its 21st edition; and The Voice Senior, again hosted by Antonella Clerici.A significant element of the new Rai 1 line-up is the extension of access and pre-evening formats into prime time. Affari Tuoi, L’Eredità and Reazione a Catena will each have special prime-time editions, bringing some of Rai’s most familiar daily brands into a different scheduling context.
Music remains central to the Rai 1 entertainment offer. The season will open in September with Roma, Baby. Cremonini Live Circo Massimo, followed by Suzuki Juke Box – La Notte delle Hit, hosted by Antonella Clerici and Clementino, and the 20th edition of the Music Awards, hosted by Carlo Conti and Vanessa Incontrada from the Arena di Verona.
In November, Rai will air Meravigliosamente, two evenings dedicated to Sal Da Vinci’s 50-year career, with music, guests and a narrative built around Naples and New York. The same month will also see the return of Una Nessuna Centomila, the music and social awareness event from the Arena di Verona, with Fiorella Mannoia and Carlo Conti.
In December, Sarà Sanremo, hosted by Stefano De Martino, will mark the beginning of the run-up to the 2027 Sanremo Festival. Rai’s New Year’s Eve event, L’Anno che verrà, will be hosted by Marco Liorni and broadcast this year from Palermo.
The schedule also includes a group of events linked to Italian territory and local traditions. La Notte della Taranta, La Notte dei Serpenti and the new Notte dei Fiori will focus respectively on Puglia, Abruzzo and Liguria, using music as the main narrative element.
Other confirmed events include Le Maschere del Teatro, Prix Italia – Appunti di Viaggio, Premio Luchetta – Bambini senza nome, the Telethon Marathon, Lo Zecchino d’Oro in prime time and the International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo.
On Rai 2, the entertainment offer will continue to be built around a mix of returning brands and new factual entertainment titles. Boss in Incognito returns with Elettra Lamborghini, while new entries include Party Angels by High Life, a docu-reality set in the nightlife sector, and Formidabile, a programme dedicated to the Rai 2 shows that have contributed to the network’s identity over the years.
Belve, hosted by Francesca Fagnani, is also confirmed, together with the spin-off Belve Crime.
Rai 3 will continue to rely on Blob, one of the broadcaster’s longest-running and most recognisable formats, maintaining its role as a daily observation point on television and public discourse.
