The annual Sanremo Music Festival, a cornerstone of Italian culture and television, faces an uncertain future following a recent legal decision. The Council of State has rejected an appeal from Rai, Italy’s national broadcaster, concerning the institution of the prestigious event. This ruling throws into question the long-standing arrangement between Rai and the municipality of Sanremo, wich owns the festival’s brand.

Council of State Upholds Illegitimacy of Direct Assignment

The core of the dispute revolves around the direct assignment of the Sanremo Festival’s organization to Rai. The Council of State has affirmed the illegitimacy of this practice,supporting an earlier ruling by the Regional Administrative Court (TAR). This decision stems from challenges to the way the Municipality of Sanremo granted exclusive rights to Rai for the festival.

The council of State stated that the setting of the audience of merit for May 22, 2025, excludes reasons for suspending the provisions of the Regional Administrative Court. This indicates that the legal proceedings are ongoing, with a hearing scheduled to further examine the matter.

Specifically, the Council of State highlighted that Rai contested the work of the Municipality of Sanremo. The municipality has already approved the announcement for the assignment of the organization of the Festival of Song 2026.

Financial Stakes and Future Bidding

The financial implications of the sanremo Festival are significant.The base bid for organizing the event is €6.5 million, with an additional 1% of revenues. the contract stipulates a minimum of three consecutive editions, with an option for annual renewal up to a maximum of five editions. This represents a substantial investment and a valuable opportunity for any broadcaster.

TAR President’s Perspective

Giuseppe Caruso, President of the TAR of Liguria, offered his perspective on the ruling, stating, We issued one sentence that we consider right. If someone higher than us thinks it is not so, it will provide.but I don’t think. this statement underscores the confidence of the Regional Administrative Court in its decision and suggests a potential legal battle ahead.

A History of Rai’s Involvement

Historically, the Sanremo Festival has been synonymous with Rai. As its inception, the event has been broadcast exclusively on state television. The prospect of a different broadcaster taking over the organization is unprecedented and raises questions about the future of the festival’s format and production.

At the end of 2024, before the edition of the Sanremo Festival, viale Mazzini specified that the administrative judges confirmed the effectiveness of the agreement stipulated between Rai and the municipality of Sanremo for the 2025 edition, and also the ownership of the Rai of the television format for years adopted for the organization of the Festival.

Rai also stated that The Tar Liguria judged irregular only the resolutions with which the Municipality of Sanremo has granted in exclusive use in Rai the ‘Festival della Songo Italiana’ ‘brand, as well as some ancel services provided on the occasion of the organization of the Festival itself. Therefore, no risk that the singing event, in its current role, can be organized by third parties. In fact, the 2025 edition was organized by Rai. However, the organization of the 2026 edition is now uncertain.

Possible Scenarios for the Future

several scenarios are being considered for the future of the Sanremo Festival:

• Rai Continues with Adjustments: Rai could potentially bid for the organization rights, adhering to the new regulations set forth by the Municipality of Sanremo.
• Open Auction: An open auction could attract other broadcasters,potentially leading to a change in the festival’s production and format.
• Uncertainty and Delay: The legal challenges and bidding process could lead to delays and uncertainty surrounding the organization of future editions.

Looking Ahead

The Council of State’s decision marks a pivotal moment for the Sanremo festival.As the legal proceedings continue and the bidding process unfolds, the future of this iconic Italian event remains uncertain. The outcome will not only determine the organization of the festival but also potentially reshape its identity and impact on Italian culture.