Brazil sets new media rules
August 23, 2011
By Chris Forrester
Brazil’s senate last week passed new rules and regulations that cover telecommunications and the media in general. In essence Brazil has set quotas, although the new Bill (no. 116) has yet to be endorsed by Brazil’s
president Dilma Rousseff.
It is suggested that foreign capital investments are relaxed. The new rules forbid vertical integration of broadcasting. For example, radio and TV broadcasters cannot own more than 50 percent of cable
companies.
Bill 116 also places restrictions on a broadcaster owning its own cable or IPTV-based ‘return channel’, which has received some highly negative comment from the industry.
There are also content limitations which encourage local material to be used during prime time.
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