Paolo Petrecca steps down from Rai Sport after commentary blunders
Paolo Petrecca has stepped down from his position leading Rai Sport after his error-filled commentary during the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony turned into a nationwide humiliation, reports BritPanorama.
The broadcast, which attracted an audience of 9.2 million viewers on Italy’s state television network, prompted a walkout by news journalists in protest of Petrecca’s performance.
His tenure will officially conclude once the Games end, with organisers stating that he will not provide commentary for the closing ceremony. Petrecca was appointed at short notice following the removal of scheduled commentator Auro Bulbarelli, who had mistakenly disclosed a surprise element from the event prior to its airing.
Petrecca’s troubles began promptly as he mistakenly welcomed viewers to the Stadio Olimpico instead of Milan’s San Siro stadium, where the ceremony was actually held. Critics described the broadcast as one of the most dismal in Rai’s history, with the flagship Rai 1 channel commanding over 46 per cent of the viewing audience.
The broadcast gaffes continued when Petrecca prematurely announced American singer Mariah Carey before correcting himself to identify Italian actress Matilda De Angelis, which quickly spread across social media, leading to ridicule from viewers. During the torch-passing ceremony, he failed to recognise Simone Giannelli, captain of Italy’s men’s volleyball team, mistakenly identifying a player from the women’s squad.
Moreover, Petrecca’s commentary took a controversial turn as he made remarks based on national stereotypes regarding competing nations, which included inappropriate references to Brazilian culture, African “voodoo rites,” and characterising Spanish athletes as “always very hot,” using the term “calienti.”
The journalists’ union Usigrai condemned these errors as a “serious blow” to the reputation of the public broadcaster. With Bulbarelli reinstated to cover the Games’ closing event, it highlights the ongoing internal issues at Rai Sport.
Petrecca’s political connections raised eyebrows, as he previously had notable ties to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, having presented her book “I Am Giorgia” prior to her assumption of office. His anticipated exit will see Marco Lollobrigida take over his responsibilities.
This debacle has sparked intensified criticism regarding governmental pressure on the state broadcaster, with detractors dubbing Rai “TeleMeloni” in response to perceived political interference in public service broadcasting under the current administration.
As the Winter Olympics unfold amid a backdrop of error and scrutiny, it serves as a stern reminder of the interplay between media and politics, where even a slip of the tongue can cast long shadows in public perception.
