Italian local broadcasters mark 50 years since end of state monopoly
July 9, 2026 12.23 Europe/London By Julian Clover


Italy’s local radio and television industry has celebrated 50 years since the Constitutional Court ruling that ended the state broadcasting monopoly, with calls to complete the country’s transition to next-generation television and strengthen the future of local media.

Speaking at the RadioTV Forum in Rome, organised by Aeranti-Corallo, national coordinator Marco Rossignoli said completing the move to DVB-T2 was now an urgent priority to enable HD broadcasting. He also called for greater prominence for local broadcasters on smart TVs through HbbTV and for radio to be included in all connected vehicles.

Rossignoli said FM radio remains the country’s primary platform because of its universal coverage, while arguing that future DAB+ network planning should allow local content splitting to support regional programming and advertising.

He also called for stable public funding and incentives for technological innovation, noting that Italy’s local broadcasting sector employs around 2,000 journalists and continues to play an important democratic role.

The forum also unveiled a commemorative postage stamp marking the 50th anniversary of local radio and television. The stamp, due to be issued on 28 July, features an antenna radiating electromagnetic waves around the number 50 and has been described by Rossignoli as “a prestigious institutional recognition for the entire local broadcasting sector.”

The event concluded with awards for around 100 local radio and television stations that have been broadcasting continuously for half a century.