Overview
- On Thursday Rai interrupted its live broadcast of the World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico one minute before Shakira finished her song to hand the feed to the TG1 studio.
- Hours later Rai published a formal note calling the interruption an "error in the management of the final timing" and saying the direct feed followed a strict schedule agreed with FIFA.
- Viewers reacted with widespread protest on X and other platforms, with many also complaining about poor audio earlier in Rai’s coverage, which intensified anger over the cut.
- Rai expressed regret to the public and pledged to improve how it covers major international events while insisting other parts of its broadcast complied with FIFA rules.
- The episode highlights tension between fixed, tournament-wide broadcast timetables and the duty of a public broadcaster to deliver uninterrupted live spectacle and could prompt reviews of live-event procedures.