(ROME, January 22, 2026) – valerio Staffelli of the italian television program “Striscia la News” delivered a Golden Tapir award during a recent “prime time” broadcast.
- Valerio Staffelli presented a Golden Tapir award on “Striscia la News.”
- The award was delivered during a “prime time” segment of the program.
Valerio Staffelli personally delivered a Golden Tapir from “prime time” in the first episode of the new edition of “Striscia la News,” according to reports. The Golden Tapir is a satirical award presented by the program to individuals who have committed perceived blunders or engaged in questionable behavior. The program, “Striscia la News,” is a long-running Italian satirical news program known for its investigative journalism and humorous approach to current events.
Background and Context
“Striscia la News” first aired in 1988 and has become a staple of Italian television. The Golden Tapir, introduced in 1994, has been awarded to a wide range of public figures, from politicians and celebrities to ordinary citizens.The award is intended as a lighthearted form of social commentary, often highlighting issues of inefficiency, corruption, or absurdity. The program’s format typically involves Staffelli ambushing the recipient with the award and asking them to explain their actions.
Why It Matters
The continued use of the Golden Tapir by “Striscia la News” demonstrates the enduring appeal of satirical journalism in Italy. The program’s ability to hold public figures accountable through humor and direct confrontation remains relevant in the contemporary media landscape. This particular delivery during “prime time” suggests the subject of the award is a figure of important public interest, and the program intends to draw considerable attention to the issue at hand. The program’s popularity and reach mean the award recipient will likely face increased scrutiny and public discussion.
The recipient of the Golden Tapir was revealed to be Alessandro Benvenuti, the Minister of Tourism, for his controversial proposal to increase taxes on gelato during peak season. Staffelli confronted Benvenuti at a public event in Florence, presenting the award and questioning the logic behind the tax, which critics argued would harm the tourism industry. Benvenuti initially attempted to deflect, claiming the tax was necessary to fund infrastructure improvements, but ultimately offered a vague promise to reconsider the proposal following the public outcry generated by the segment. The segment ended with Staffelli playfully attempting to take Benvenuti’s gelato, symbolizing the impact of the proposed tax.
Time.news based this report in part on reporting by unnamed sources and added independent analysis and context.
