TV and Radio in Italy: RAI, Mediaset, and Others.

Television remains the most important source of news in Italy—the evening newscast (news program) is a regular part of daily life for many families. This guide explains who the broadcasters are, which news formats matter, and what you, as a newcomer, need to know about the broadcasting fee.

RAI: Public Broadcasting

The RAI (Italian Radio and Television) is Italy's public broadcaster, with the following main channels: Rai 1, Rai 2, and Rai 3 as well as the news channel Rai News 24. Each channel has its own newsroom:

• TG1 (Rai 1) – the country's most-watched news program.
• TG2 (Rai 2) and TG3 (Rai 3) – the latter traditionally has a stronger regional and social focus.

RAI also produces Regional Window (TGR) for each region—and a separate one for South Tyrol German-language program (RAI South Tyrol).

Private broadcasters

• Mediaset (now part of the MFE Group) with Canale 5, Italia 1 and Tip 4; News: TG5, Studio Aperto, TG4 as well as the news channel TGCOM24.
• La7 (Cairo Communication) – Small but influential: The TG La7 Programs hosted by Enrico Mentana and political talk shows carry disproportionate weight in the public debate.
• Sky TG24 – the news channel of the pay-TV provider Sky Italia, with a free online service.

The Broadcasting Fee: the RAI Canone

Anyone who has a residence in Italy with an electrical connection pays the broadcasting license fee (RAI license fee) – and has been doing so since 2016 automatically through the electric bill, spread out over several installments. It amounts to about 90 euros per year; the exact amount is set by the annual budget law and varies.

Important for new residents: The fee is per household per account, not per device. Anyone who can prove that no TV may file an exemption form; there are also exceptions for seniors with low incomes. After moving, it’s worth taking a look at your electricity bill—see also Sign Up for Electricity, Gas, and Internet.

Radio in Italy

Radio is surprisingly lively—especially in the car. The top stations:

• Rai Radio 1, 2, and 3 – Public broadcasting; Radio 1 focuses on news and sports, Radio 3 on culture.
• RTL 102.5 – the private broadcaster with the widest reach, also available „visually“ on TV.
• Radio Deejay and Radio Capital – Music and entertainment.
• Radio 24 – the business and news channel from Il Sole 24 Ore, see Sports and Business Press.

Television as a Language Learning Tool

For students of Italian, this is news program Ideal: clear pronunciation, recurring phrases, images to provide context. If you'd like, you can turn on subtitles (on RAI via teletext page 777). More ideas in the guide Italian Newspapers for Language Learning and under Learn Italian.

What You Can Do Next

After you move, check to make sure the canone is being billed correctly through your electricity bill. TG1 at 8 p.m. is a good place to start with Italian television; for some background, check out the talk shows on La7. And you can pick up the language on the fly while driving by listening to the radio.