Linea Politica
| Linea Politica | |
 | |
| Genre | Prime-time talk show |
|---|---|
| Presented by |
Gerry Aldente (1704-1719) Alvise Arcuri (1719-) |
| Country of origin |
 Vegno |
| Original language(s) | Vegnian |
| Production | |
| Production location(s) | Studi Bartolomeo Ripamonti (Sancrus) |
| Running time | 3 hours 30 minutes (Thursday) |
| Release | |
| Original network | TeleV |
| Picture format | 1080i (HDTV 16:9) |
| Original release | 1704 AN until present |
Linea Politica (Istv: Political Line) is a Vegnese prime time television talk show hosted by the Vegnese journalist Alvise Arcuri and is broadcast on TELEV 5 since 1704 AN.
Background
The show initially occupied the late night slot in the TELEV 5 schedule, focusing on current affairs and politics from its inception. The first host was Gerry Aldente, who then left the programme in 1719 and was replaced by the current host, journalist Alvise Arcuri. Linea Politica airs weekly, with special episodes on the occasion of major events, such as national elections.
After the slot change to prime time, the programme starts at 9pm and ends at half past midnight.
The main format concerns interviews and debates between several politicians, national and local, to whom the presenter initially asks the same question: 'What is your political line?'. However, the programme also focuses on reports, investigations and dialogues with correspondents scattered around the country.
In 1709, 1714 and 1721, Linea Politica hosted political debates between candidates, moderated by the host.
In addition to dealing with national politics, the show also started to cover foreign policy over time, interviewing international personalities on economic and geopolitical issues.
Controversies
Linea Politica was the first programme to focus on the political scandal of 1716, following it weekly. Comments by some guests on former presidents Antonio Visciglia and Luca Zarrella, who were initially allegedly implicated in the scandal but later acquitted by the courts, drew criticism from part of the country, directed mainly at Gerry Aldente's conduct. The programme was accused of justicialism and the criticism continued over time, focusing on other polemical investigations concerning national politicians. This led to the resignation of Gerry Aldente and the arrival of Alvise Arcuri.
In 1720, during an episode focused on Florian invasion of Ostland, Communist Party leader Tito Bettella, invited to comment on a news report, heavily criticized the actions of Raspur Pact forces regarding Floria's use of chemical weapons, calling on the government to boycott the country and insulting Florian President Isabelle Chopin, calling her a "terrorist." The broadcast later publicly apologized for the heated tone, distancing itself from those comments.
Notable guests
Through years the show hosted many Vegnese and international guests. Amongst them there are: Luca Zarrella, Antonio Visciglia, Mickey Lange Levati, Miguel Sposato, Marco Unno, Shalva Mancuso, Peppe Freeda, Orazio Torlo-Marani, Haldi Rinaldi, Lewis Newhouse, Tito Bettella, Goffredo Ripamonti.
