Brazilian journalism faces challenges in academic training and in newsrooms. While many journalism courses tend towards theory and develop practice sparingly, training programs promoted by media outlets seek to fill the gaps. Programs from newspapers Folha de S. Paulo and Estadão, active for over 30 years, more recently began to prioritize diversity.
Cases of beatings, attacks and insults from fans against journalists have multiplied in many countries in Latin America. Behind the attacks, there may be new codes of conduct among violent fans and a deep intolerance for difference.
Eighteen journalists in Brazil face legal cases after publishing about the state governor of Mato Grosso, Mauro Mendes. They argue that the police and judicial apparatus of the state is being used to silence voices that publish information unfavorable to the governor.
Environmental and climate journalists face extreme risks, including physical and legal threats, when reporting on environmental degradation, according to a new report from the International Press Institute. In Latin America, organized crime, businesses and corrupt state forces represent the main threats to these professionals, Barbara Trionfi, author of the report, told LJR.
With national reach and without equivalent in the country, Continente and Pernambuco magazines have recently undergone renovations. Financed by a publisher that belongs to the Pernambuco state government, the publications, which are 24 and 37 years old, are successful examples of a state-funded model of cultural journalism, but are not exempt from criticism.
Mariama Correia and Nayara Felizardo are co-founders of Cajueira, launched in 2020 as a newsletter and today a network that promotes journalistic production in Northeast Brazil. They spoke with LJR about what has changed – and what has not changed – in coverage of the region, the strength of independent journalism carried out in the Northeast and Cajueira's next steps.
Reporting on Carnival, the biggest Brazilian popular event, involves everything from understanding social dynamics that are often invisible, to particular physical demands. LJR spoke to journalists who specialize in the subject for advice on how to cover the festivities.
Civil society organizations that participate in the National Observatory of Violence against Journalists and Social Communicators welcome the “good will” of the Brazilian government, but state that a lack of personnel and prioritization of the issue are obstacles to its effectiveness. Changes in the Ministry of Justice, where the Observatory is housed, also concern them.
Aos Fatos, a Brazilian media outlet specialized in fact-checking, integrated ChatGPT with its journalistic production to create a question and answer chatbot, FátimaGPT. On WhatsApp, Telegram and Twitter, the chatbot answers questions from the public based on texts already published on the website.
A study by the Brazilian Association of Investigative Journalism (Abraji) found a 14% increase in the number of lawsuits against journalists and media outlets asking for the removal of content related to the 2022 elections. This is compared to 2018. Researchers highlight the impact on press freedom and the democratic process, as well as trends for municipal elections in 2024.