Rai Storia and Rai 5 merger proposed in Rai spending review amid debt crisis

As of June 30, 2020, Rai faces a financial dilemma with debts totaling €275.9 million, an increase from €239.1 million in 2019. The company anticipates a loss of €130 million for 2020, which could escalate to €190 million in 2021, exacerbated by the impacts of COVID-19 and declining advertising revenue. CEO Fabrizio Salini has suggested merging Rai5 with Rai Storia, pausing initiatives for the institutional and English-language channels, and shutting down Raisport. The Rai press office has not confirmed these proposals. Critics, such as Michele Anzaldi from Italia Viva, contend that Rai's nearly €2 billion in public funding should be utilized for cultural initiatives. A Change.org petition advocates for the preservation of Rai Storia, emphasizing its educational significance. Minister Dario Franceschini has recently called for cultural support during the pandemic.