Television & Radio

RAI (the national network) began in 1924 and was the only producer of radio news and programmes. By 1954 it had spread it wings and was now also the only television network transmitting news and prime time programmes. Television, contrary to the expectations of intellectuals and politicians, was an immediate success. It first became popular in Italy in the 1950s. The enthusiasm was for an American show called ‘Double Your Money' (Lascia o raddoppia) where everyone would convene in the local bar or wherever the public television was situated to watch the show.

Where once RAI was alone in this field of media, three groups now compete for dominance in television. RAI, located in Rome has 3 channels and an average audience share of about 45 percent. Mediaset, located in Milan, has three channels and about an average of 43 percent and the Cecchi-Gori Group (the most powerful Italian film producer and distributor) located in Florence has two channels and about an average share of 6 percent. The Vatican has its own network, and there are more than 450 local commercial stations.

Italia Radio is part of the Gruppo Espresso, which publishes the daily newspaper La Repubblica and the weekly L'Espresso magazine. Radio IOL is dedicated to pop music as is a station called Musix. KissKiss Network has very little Italian chitchat being almost entirely devoted to music. Radio Capital can be heard all over Italy. A webcam has been brought into the radio station so you can now see the popular DJ's who work for the station. Radio Deejay can also be heard all over Italy and broadcasts all the latest hits.