RAI is preparing to welcome the international broadcasting community to L’Aquila for the 78th edition of Prix Italia, bringing together some of the world’s leading radio, television and digital storytellers from 28 September to 2 October 2026.

One of the world’s longest-running international media competitions, Prix Italia celebrates excellence and innovation across Radio & Podcast, Television and Digital productions, while providing a meeting point for broadcasters, producers, creators and media professionals from around the world.

This year’s competition has attracted 226 programmes from 83 broadcasters representing 52 countries, highlighting the continued international reach of the event. Nine international juries are currently evaluating the entries, with 27 finalists — three from each category across the Radio & Podcast, TV and Digital sections — set to compete for the top honours.

The 2026 edition will be held under the theme “Play Human”, reflecting a renewed focus on the relationship between human creativity and technology.

At a time when artificial intelligence and rapid technological change are reshaping the media industry, the theme explores how technology can amplify rather than replace human creativity. It places storytelling, imagination and human connection at the centre of conversations about the future of media.

Performing arts will also provide a creative thread throughout this year’s programme, with the festival bringing together broadcasting, culture and technology through performances, events and original productions.

L’Aquila provides a fitting backdrop for the event. Named Italian Capital of Culture 2026, the city will host Prix Italia in its historic centre for the first time, becoming a meeting place for the international radio, television and digital media community.

New Zealand choreographer and filmmaker Corey Baker will serve as President of the 2026 edition. Baker is himself a previous Prix Italia winner, with his BBC production “Swan Lake Bath Ballet” receiving the award in 2021. Alongside the main international competition, Prix Italia will present several special recognitions, including the Prize in Honour of the President of the Italian Republic, the SIGNIS Prize and the YLab Prize, which involves university students from the Abruzzo region.

For nearly eight decades, Prix Italia has provided broadcasters with a platform to celebrate outstanding storytelling while exchanging ideas across cultures and borders. As the media industry confronts new technologies, changing audience behaviours and evolving forms of storytelling, the 2026 edition continues that tradition — while asking an increasingly important question: how can technology help us become more creative, rather than less human?