A Century of Public Service: Between History and Vision
Since 1924, radio has revolutionized communication, disseminating information, culture, and entertainment on a national and international scale. For this significant anniversary, Rai Radio and Rai celebrated the medium with noteworthy initiatives and programs.
The 76th Prix Italia, the Italian competition that awards the best radio, TV, and web programs for quality, innovation, and creativity, was chosen to celebrate Rai Radio’s centenary, simultaneously honouring 70 years of television and 150 years since the birth of Guglielmo Marconi. Loud and Clear is the title of this edition held in the city of Turin, and is inspired by the historic response Marconi received to his first transatlantic message and serves as a symbolic reminder of public broadcasters’ mission: to transmit clear, strong, and accessible messages to everyone.
From 1st to 4th October, the Museum of Radio and Television in Turin was transformed into a radio studio, hosting broadcasts dedicated to the history and evolution of the medium. Rai Radio 1 celebrated past and present with Radio Anch’io, one of the broadcaster’s longest-running news programs, hosted by Giorgio Zanchini. Rai Radio 2 engaged audiences with Numeri Uni, hosted by Maria Di Biase, Corrado Nuzzo, and Barty Colucci, as well as a special episode of Caterpillar with Massimo Cirri and Sara Zambotti. Rai Radio 3 offered Hollywood Party with Steve Della Casa and Tutta la città ne parla with Pietro Del Soldà. Additionally, Unomattina broadcasted live from September 30 to October 4 from the TV Production Center 8 in Turin.
Concluding the celebrations was Cento – Un secolo di servizio pubblico, the live event on October 6 on Rai 1 with Carlo Conti, host and artistic director of the upcoming Sanremo Festival. Through the #Rai100 initiative, the public shared memories, anecdotes, and moments related to Rai personalities or programs; the most touching content was published on RaiPlay and included in the program.
This extensive project, involving TV, radio, local areas, and digital platforms, demonstrates Rai’s ability to continue inspiring and connecting millions of people, even after a hundred years. If you’d like to learn more about the extraordinary autumn offerings, you can consult the fiction, entertainment, culture, and in-depth listings.
