Italian journalists are preparing to strike and have withdrawn bylines following a series of notable errors by a RaiSport commentator during the Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan. The controversies, which include misidentifying a performer and misstating a political figure's familial relation, have drawn sharp criticism from within the broadcasting organization and prompted industrial action.
The opening ceremony for the Milan Cortina Winter Games took place on February 6th at the San Siro stadium. RaiSport, the Italian public broadcaster responsible for covering the event, found its commentary coming under intense scrutiny.
Multiple Errors: Reports indicate at least two significant blunders occurred during the live broadcast.
Performer Misidentification: One performer, later identified as Andrea De Angelis, was mistakenly announced as the global music star Mariah Carey. De Angelis subsequently posted photos of himself at the event with the caption "Please, call me Mariah."
Presidential Misinformation: Italian President Sergio Mattarella was presented entering the stadium alongside International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry. The RaiSport commentator, identified as Paolo Petrecca, announced Mattarella accompanied by "his daughter," a misstatement that has also caused upset.
Journalist Backlash: The errors have not gone unnoticed by colleagues. The internal union body representing RaiSport journalists, the Comitato di Redazione, issued a formal statement condemning the commentary.
Protest Measures: As a result, journalists and commentators have agreed to withhold their bylines from all content until the conclusion of the Winter Olympics. This will be followed by a three-day strike after the Games have ended.
Commentary Reassignment: RaiSport director Paolo Petrecca has been removed from commentary duties for the February 22nd closing ceremony.
Commentary Errors Under Scrutiny
The opening ceremony's broadcast by RaiSport became a focal point for criticism due to what colleagues and observers have termed "blunder-strewn" commentary.
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Mariah Carey Incident: The misidentification of performer Andrea De Angelis as Mariah Carey appears to be a central point of contention. The widespread recognition of Carey versus the relative obscurity of De Angelis in this context may have amplified the perceived error.
Mattarella Family Detail: The inaccuracy regarding President Mattarella's companion has also generated significant concern, particularly given the public and political profile of the individuals involved. The detail, however minor in the grand scheme of the ceremony, highlights a lack of attention to factual accuracy.
Union Action and Internal Response
The repercussions of the commentary errors have extended to the internal operations of RaiSport, leading to organized protest.
Statement from Comitato di Redazione: The internal union body representing RaiSport's journalists issued a clear statement articulating their dissatisfaction and the steps they intend to take.
Withdrawal of Bylines: The immediate measure of withholding bylines is a symbolic protest, intended to signal a lack of confidence in the current broadcast standards.
Planned Strikes: The announcement of a three-day strike following the Games indicates a deeper level of discontent and a desire for more substantial change within the organization.
Reassignment and Future Broadcasts
In response to the public outcry and internal pressure, actions have been taken regarding the commentary team.
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Paolo Petrecca's Removal: The decision to remove Paolo Petrecca from commentary for the closing ceremony suggests an acknowledgement of the severity of the situation by Rai management.
Closing Ceremony Coverage: The responsibility for commentating the closing ceremony will now fall to others, aiming to prevent further similar incidents.
Sources:
Fox News: Provides an overview of the situation, highlighting the performer misidentification and the broader context of Olympic coverage.
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/winter-olympics-opening-ceremony-host-sparks-fury-misidentifying-mariah-carey-other-blunders
Associated Press (AP): Details the specific errors, the journalist union's response, and the planned strike action, offering a more in-depth look at the industrial action.
https://apnews.com/article/television-mistakes-opening-ceremony-olympics-8afe50e73fc189a1274cff87ae3c6c31
Metro: Reports on the bizarre nature of the gaffes and the resulting strike, echoing the AP's findings and adding context to the widespread reporting of the events.
https://metro.co.uk/2026/02/10/journalists-strike-commentators-bizarre-winter-olympics-opening-ceremony-gaffes-26811122/
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