Departure of Pippo Baudo, Iconic TV Host Whose Broadcasting United Italy from Its Public Network
Pippo Baudo: A Legendary Figure in Italian Television
Pippo Baudo, a renowned figure in Italian television, has passed away. Known for his unparalleled talent and innovative approach, Baudo left an indelible mark on the industry.
Baudo was essential in RAI, the public television channel, during the 1960s. He turned the television studio into a popular agora, connecting with the emotions and aspirations of the Italian people, embodying the concept of 'national-popular' on television. His shows were a reflection of the times, addressing societal issues with simplicity and grace.
Baudo was an unbeatable talent scout, discovering comedian Beppe Grillo, Roberto Benigni, Laura Pausini, and Heather Parisi, among others. His approach to television was unique, aiming to "return complexity with simplicity." Renzo Arbore, Baudo's old friend, musician, and prominent figure in television, stated that they didn't talk about audience but aimed to make a television for everyone, also a little artistic.
Pippo Baudo practically invented the profession of the television presenter in Italy, according to Aldo Grasso, Italy's leading TV critic. He was iconic and irreplaceable, expressing concerns about the direction of the world, particularly about the lack of respect among people and the growing wealth gap.
Baudo presented thirteen editions of the Sanremo Festival, a record. His presence was felt beyond the television screen, as his face and voice accompanied entire generations, giving emotions, smiles, and unforgettable moments. President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella remembered Baudo as a protagonist and innovator of television, with professionalism, culture, charm, and an extraordinary ability to interpret the tastes and expectations of Italian viewers.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wrote that Baudo's legacy will live on, as his shows continue to inspire and entertain. Many newspapers have written that there is no one like Pippo Baudo in Italian television today, not just because of his presence, scenic wisdom, or history, but because the country that could produce him no longer exists.
Baudo's funeral was held in Militello in Val di Catania, Sicily. Katia Ricciarelli, Baudo's wife for 18 years, said he was the greatest of all. Today, RAI, the institution once captivated by Baudo's vision, is a shell of its former self, lacking the sense of mission that Baudo considered natural. With Pippo Baudo, television doesn't die; it simply turns off the light he invented.
