Calabria has become the first ordinary-statute region in Italy to launch a RAI program specifically dedicated to linguistic minorities. The program will feature radio and television content entirely in the Arbëresh language, aimed at promoting the culture of Calabria’s Arbëresh communities.
Following the recent signing of an agreement between the Presidency of the Council of Ministers – Department for Information and Publications – and RAI, the Coordination of Regional and External Offices was able to begin producing television and radio programs focused on showcasing Arbëresh culture.
These initiatives are directly linked to Law 482 of 1999 as well as the National Service Contract, which ensures the protection of historical linguistic minorities across various Italian regions.
“Programming will begin in mid-September and run for 13 months, with the goal of enhancing Arbëresh cultural heritage. We are the first ordinary-statute region to produce content in a minority language, which makes me particularly proud as a Calabrian. I am very satisfied with the work accomplished, and this will be an ongoing commitment both for Calabria and for RAI, which once again fulfills its role as a public service broadcaster,” said Massimo Fedele, Director of RAI Calabria’s regional office.
“This is an important step not only for the Arbëresh people but also for Italian society as a whole and for the Albanian and Italo-Albanian communities. It represents not only communication but also the protection and appreciation of a unique linguistic and cultural heritage that has been preserved for centuries in roughly 50 municipalities. It strengthens the sense of belonging, passes on the memory of our ancestors to younger generations, and unites Albanians and Italo-Albanians with the Arbëresh universe,” stated Anila Bitri Lani, Albania’s ambassador to Italy.
The program will begin broadcasting on September 21, with one television episode every Sunday, focusing on the Arbëresh communities in the region.
On radio, a daily program exploring all aspects of Arbëresh culture will air from Monday to Friday, with repeats during the weekend.