Media and Media Policy in Brazil

Abstract

In his historical overview, Carlos Eduardo Lins da Silva shows how, initially, the media in Brazil constituted an important source of information, but only for a small group of people. Furthermore, the quality of journalism was—and is—not especially high in most of the federal states (estados) and particularly in small towns. During the military dictatorship control of the communications media grew and those who did not voluntarily become aligned with the established order, were subject to censorship. In the context of the political democratization in the last phase of the military regime, Brazilian journalism already acted independently and, in part, critically in regards to all government levels, institutions, individuals and enterprises. Lula’s entry into government permitted previously excluded persons and ideas to enter the media.