Perhaps it is time for general television to rid itself of its linguistic laziness, its catatonic state, its sloppy and ramshackle calling. It cannot continue on just crime news, gossip and spontaneous vulgarity, it cannot survive on afternoon television that reeks of disillusionment and domestic frustration, it cannot continue to rely on programs that never mention the books it reads (the only books ). are those of the guest in the studio who has his “latest work” under his arm), of films seen, of music heard, in short of ideas, stories, images, reflections.
It is a television that trains us so much in banality that we no longer know how to recognize those who behave in public with style, with a sense of institutions, with irony. For years, Rai1 saved its conscience with the programs of Piero Angela, who became the prototype of the television cultural mediator. But now it’s no longer enough. Fortunately, there are some signs of a turnaround, as evidenced by the ratings. The new season of “Pasto e presente” with Paolo Mieli has started again on Rai3, preceded by “Quante storie” by Giorgio Zanchini. Rai Storia (channel 54; come on, it’s not hard to dial two numbers on the remote!) offers excellent food for thought every day, and Edoardo Camur’s meetings give hope that all is not lost.