Zaia writes to Rai top brass: “Do not cancel the live broadcast of the Venice Historical Regatta”

The governor of Veneto, Luca Zaiaexpresses concern to Rai top management about the probable cancellation of the live broadcast of the Venice Historical Regatta, which takes place on the first Sunday in September, on public television channels. Zaia wrote to the president of Rai, Roberto Sergioand to the director, Giampaolo Rossi: “I learned, with sincere concern – he states – that Rai has decided not to broadcast live this year the Regata Storica di Venezia, one of the most precious and significant traditions of our cultural heritage. The parade of historic boats and the Venetian rowing regattas along the Grand Canal will take place on September 1st. The Regata Storica is not simply a sporting event: it represents the beating heart of the history and traditions of Venice, a city unique in the world, a symbol of culture and beauty without equal”.

A broadcast, the live broadcast of the Regatta, “which has always had a profound meaning. It was precisely the Regata Storica di Venezia – he recalls – that inaugurated the first newscast in the history of Italian television, on 10 September 1952”.

“Suspending the live broadcast of such a meaningful event, just a few days before it takes place – concludes Zaia – risks causing deep disappointment to those who have always followed this event with passion”. Hence the request to Rai “to consider a possible solution, with great sensitivity, keeping this event alive in the schedule of its main networks. The Veneto Region is completely available to collaborate in the success of the broadcast”.