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August 17- August 24,2003 |
RAI International moves forward
Massimo Magliaro answers questions as deadline nears for final CRTC documentaion
By Francesco Riondino
Originally Published: 2003-08-03
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Massimo Magliaro
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Less than two weeks remain for Canadian media giants Rogers, to present final documentation that may give Italian broadcasters RAI the go-ahead to commence transmitting in Canada.
In a telephone interview with Tandem, Massimo Magliaro, RAI's chief director of international programming said he is satisfied with the massive amount of viewer feedback he is receiving.
"The information that is arriving from all of Canada defies all imagination. The Italian community is demonstrating its desire to obtain something it has always wanted. First with the petition of 1998-99 and now with the signature campaign brought forth by the Comites. The level of responses that we are receiving from Italians and Canadians is high."
The request made by all those concerned is simple: How much will it cost to view RAI International?
"Although we are subject to an active campaign of misinformation, which speaks of a figure in the range of $80 to $100, I can reassure that viewers will see RAI International at a cost in line with other foreign broadcasts."
On August 31, the existing contract that allows Telelatino to transmit RAI programming will expire. Will there be a "black out" of information coming out of Italy?
"At the moment the contract expires, RAI has decided to make a free arrangement for foreign broadcasters that do not request news broadcasts (TG1 in particular) this way there is no interruption of news coming out of Italy. And I can anticipate that we've already received and approved diverse requests."
Will RAI International offer Canadians something they are currently unfamiliar with?
"A lot. From the topical, to the cultural and even in terms of sports. They will receive more live coverage and a multitude of diverse programming. Furthermore, they will have access to 'talk shows' focused on many important aspects of Italian culture. Then, for the next season, we are working on a one-hour weekly music programme. We are also working with government officials to bring about a television program geared towards third and fourth generation Italians. We hope by creating a programme like this, we can help preserve our language and culture among Italians living around the world."
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