palinsesto

Palinsesto is an Italian term that denotes the planned sequence of programming on a radio or television channel, or more generally the schedule or lineup of content for a given period. It refers to the times and order of programs, including shows, news, and advertisements, as published or announced for a day or week. The word is often used by broadcasters, schedulers, and audiences to understand what will be aired at specific times.

Etymology and usage: The term derives from palimpsest, originally a manuscript page reused after the previous writing was erased. In Italian, palinsesto carries this sense of reorganization and reuse, metaphorically applied to the arrangement of a channel’s content. It is frequently used interchangeably with griglia di programmazione (programming grid), though palinsesto emphasizes the published plan rather than the graphical representation.

In practice, the palinsesto is subject to change due to events such as breaking news, sports broadcasts, or scheduling conflicts. Broadcasters may publish daily or weekly palinsesti to guide viewers and listeners, while offering updates when shifts occur. For audiences, consulting the palinsesto helps anticipate prime-time blocks and important premieres.

Other senses: In Italian, palinsesto can also refer to a palimpsest in manuscript terminology, describing a document whose earlier text has been erased and overwritten, with traces of the original writing still perceptible.

See also: palimpsest; griglia di programmazione; palinsesto televisivo.