Rai, the board of directors dossier begins and the privatization of RaiWay is back in fashion

Rai, the board of directors dossier begins and the privatization of RaiWay is back in fashion

Rai enters the most intense phase with several meetings of the board of directors in which the crucial issues placed on the table before the Christmas break are expected to be discussed, fundamental for the future of public television. This is what Il Sole 24 Ore reports. If there are no twists and turns in the meantime (and when it comes to Rai, they can never be ruled out until the last moment), the expiring board should be able to conclude, essentially starting the process of renewing the board of directors near summer. The crucial days, as already anticipated by Il Sole 24 Ore in December, will be January 15th and 18th. It is in those days that, according to the plans of the CEO Roberto Sergiothe final approval of the Industrial Plan should arrive together with the five-year service contract and the Sustainability Plan.

This is the timetable foreseen by the management of Viale Mazzini, as announced by the CEO during the hearing in the Supervisory Commission last December, declaring that for 2023 Rai will have “a consolidated net result in break-even” with a net financial debt of “560 million. As of May, when we took office it was 650 million”. All this happens after the budget law has actually reduced the fee from 90 to 70 euros, responding to the League's requests. Although the company has obtained a contribution for 2024 to offset the overall reduction estimated at 430 million eurosthe cut of 20 euros, limited to 2024 only, has raised concerns and warned of the possibility of opening a discussion on the easing of advertising ceilings, which Mediaset would certainly be ready to fight against, both in the public debate and within the Parliament.

In the next ten days, we will also see whether, as seems likely, the sale of the share will be concluded Rai in Rai Way exceeding 50%. This is approximately 15%. Shareholder funds have already protested openly. However, this sale, together with the income and savings from the Estate Plan, represents a key element to provide the resources necessary to support the Industrial Plan. The game is still open.

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