RAI journalists strike over Olympic opening ceremony commentary errors

Journalists at the Italian state broadcaster RAI declared a one-day strike for Friday, February 13, following a controversial broadcast of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony. The backlash is directed at Paolo Petrecca, the head of Rai Sport, who committed numerous errors during the live event held on February 8 at Milan's San Siro stadium. Petrecca incorrectly welcomed viewers from Rome's Olympic Stadium and mistook IOC member Kirsty Coventry for the daughter of Italian President Sergio Mattarella. He also failed to recognize several Italian torchbearers and made comments regarding Spanish and Chinese athletes that were deemed inappropriate and sexist. In response, RAI CEO Giampaolo Rossi has barred Petrecca from commentating on the closing ceremony scheduled for February 22. The Usigrai union stated that the performance severely damaged the broadcaster's image and the dignity of its professional staff. Since February 9, journalists have also protested by refusing to state their names during live broadcasts, and the union is now demanding Petrecca's resignation or replacement.