Alberto Angela's 'Ulisse' program suspended amid low ratings controversy

The cultural program 'Ulisse – Il piacere della scoperta', hosted by Alberto Angela, has reportedly been suspended by RAI due to low viewership. The first episode on April 21 attracted less than 4 million viewers, with subsequent episodes dropping to a 12.90% share. The May 12 slot was replaced by a 'Commissario Montalbano' episode. The decision sparked backlash from cultural figures, including Paolo Giulierini, director of the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli, who defended Angela on Facebook. Valentino Nizzo, director of the Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia, launched a Change.org petition that gathered over half of its 2,500-signature goal. However, the program's official Facebook page on May 8 denied cancellation, attributing delays to COVID-19 and announcing two new episodes on St. Francis and climate change. RAI 1 also distanced itself from suspension rumors.