How activists are combating pro-coup media in Brazil
by RAPHAEL TSAVKKO GARCIA
Feb 8, 2023
In Brazil, TV network Jovem Pan is known for airing hosts and commentators who openly defend anti-democratic rhetoric of ex-President Jair Bolsonaro and the attempted January 8 insurrection. The insurrection, in which rioters took over government buildings and called for the military to oust newly elected president Lula da Silva, represented the latest and most severe threat to Brazilian democracy.
Launched originally as a radio station, Jovem Pan is part of a vast network of pro-Bolsonaro websites, social media accounts and media outlets that have gained prominence and funding during the far-right leader's time in office. The relationship goes both ways: During a pro-Bolsonaro demonstration on September 7, 2022, Jovem Pan commentator Ana Paula Henkel, was introduced by the president's supporters, who said, "you [Jovem Pan] are our voice."
Eduardo Barbabela, a political scientist at the State University of Rio de Janeiro, explained that the Bolsonaro administration has “used an ecosystem of profiles and websites to ensure the maintenance of interesting narratives to the government. Jovem Pan is one of the main nodes of this network.” Even after Bolsonaro’s defeat, “the channel continued to open space for the president's allies to talk, and defend that the elections were rigged or even defend the coup against Lula,” said Barbabela.
“During the attempted coup of January 8, Jovem Pan's coverage was essential to maintaining the narrative that the demonstrations were peaceful, that it was left-wing infiltrators who were destroying the buildings, minimizing the coup by treating it as a demonstration," he added.
More:
https://ijnet.org/en/story/how-activists-are-combating-pro-coup-media-brazil
