Radiotelevisione Italiana (RAI)

Radiotelevisione Italiana (RAI), a state-owned Italian public broadcasting company, was founded in 1954 (though its predecessor, Radio Audizioni Italiane, existed prior). Employing approximately 7,880 people, RAI operates numerous terrestrial and subscription television channels and radio stations. With over $1 billion in revenue in 2023, it is Italy's largest broadcaster, competing with Mediaset and others. RAI holds a significant market share of approximately 35.9% of television viewership in Italy. Its broadcasts reach beyond Italy's borders into several neighboring countries and are also available internationally via satellite and pay television. Funding is split between broadcast license fees (50%) and advertising revenue. In 1950, RAI became a founding member of the European Broadcasting Union.