Brazilian television journalist Paulo Benito lost his contract with SBT affiliate TV Allamanda in the state of Rondônia on Oct. 6, after he was accused of "merchandising" for a politician, according to the website Gazeta de Rondônia.
The decision came soon after an interview with State Delegate Hermínio Coelho on a show hosted by Benito. The delegate was facing server criticisms of his municipal administration in the state capital, Porto Velho, reported Portal Rondônia.
According to reports from the website Rondoniavivo, TV Allamanda relies on public funding and the municipality is an "important source of funding," including a monthly contract for nearly $5,700 (BRL$10,000).
The Rondonian Association of Journalists released a statement criticizing the broadcaster. "These allegations presented to justify a sudden breach of contract are not consistent with the constitutional principles of freedom of expression," the statement read.
