The seventh biggest economy in the world with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of USD 2.3 trillion, Brazil is by far the largest economy in Latin America. Indeed, states such as São Paulo alone have an economy bigger than Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia put together. In fact, were it an independent country, São Paulo would rank among the global top 20 in terms of GDP. A gateway for business in Latin-American countries, the largest port in the continent, Santos, also located the State of São Paulo, is the entrance point for most Latin American imports from all over the world.
It is no exaggeration to say that the mainstream media and telecommunications reach more Brazilians more than sewage systems, water and electricity. The vast majority of households have at least one television set at home and one radio, while most bars and cafés will have a TV playing throughout the day and night, normally tuned to TV Globo. Pay-TV, landline and mobile phones and the Internet are also a reality for almost all Brazilians.
The Brazilian media market is characterized by its concentration in a few family-owned conglomerates, with strong participation of politicians and religious groups. The main conglomerate is Rede Globo, headquartered in Rio de Janeiro (RJ), which reaches all of Brazil and has an unmatched influence in politics, economy and society. Also noteworthy are Record and SBT among the main national conglomerates. Similarly, the press is dominated by three traditional newspapers: Folha de S.Paulo, O Estado de S.Paulo and O Globo.
As in many other markets, the publishing industry is struggling to adapt and develop new business models. Abril Group, one of South America’s largest media conglomerates, recently announced the closure of magazines as part of a reformulation process.
