Italy media boss quits in protest

Lucia Annunziata announced her resignation 30 minutes before the corporation's board meeting in Milan.

Ms Annunziata cited "the occupation of the firm" which was happening via a series of appointments the board was reported to be making.

A leading Rai journalist resigned last week, saying the corporation mainly reflected the views of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi - a media magnate.

Mr Berlusconi's media empire dominates the Italian press and broadcasting - but he denies that it presents a conflict of interest.

Last week, Italy's parliament approved a controversial media law which, critics say, strengthens Mr Berlusconi's hold over the media.

'No more representation'

Ms Annunziata told a news conference that the board - the Council of Administration (CDA) - operated in "illegal conditions".

She said her resignation had been prompted by a series of key appointments put forward by the Rai director general with "less than a three-hour notice".

"All political forces in parliament are supposed to be represented in the CDA," she said. "With my departure, at least half of parliament... is no longer represented."

Last week, a top TV news journalist, Lilli Gruber, quit Rai, saying the corporation mainly reflected the government's views and Mr Berlusconi's "unresolved conflict of interest" hurt Italian democracy.


The Berlusconi family owns the country's three main private television channels - Rete 4, Italia 1, and Canale 5.

The prime minister also holds political influence at the board of Rai.

Through a holding company, Fininvest, Mr Berlusconi has press interests in the Panorama and Il Giornale papers, publishing interests at Mondadori publishing house and cinema rights.

Opponents of the media law passed last Friday - after an earlier rejection by the country's president - say it cements Mr Berlusconi's control over 90% of television and allows him to acquire more newspapers and radio stations.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3683843.stm