CNN Brazil

CNN Brazil is a Brazilian news channel and website that launched on March 15, 2020. It operates under a licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery, making it the second local CNN franchise in South America after CNN Chile. The channel is owned by Novus Mídia, a joint venture between Douglas Tavolaro, who previously headed Record's news division, and Rubens Menin, the owner of MRV Engenharia. Headquartered in São Paulo, with offices in Brasília and Rio de Janeiro, CNN Brazil delivers round-the-clock news coverage with a focus on Brazilian politics, economics, and international affairs. The channel's launch was ambitious, aiming to bring CNN's global journalistic standards to the Brazilian market. Its arrival was notable for filling a gap in 24-hour news broadcasting in the country. The network has invested heavily in state-of-the-art studios and a team of experienced journalists, including anchors like William Waack and Monalisa Perrone. While specific budget figures are not public, the venture was backed by significant capital from Menin's construction company. The tone is serious and professional, emphasizing fact-based reporting. Ratings have been moderate, with the channel carving out a niche among viewers seeking in-depth analysis.[edit]

CNN Brazil aims to provide 24-hour news coverage that meets the global standards of the CNN brand, emphasizing fact-based, serious, and professional reporting. The channel focuses on delivering in-depth analysis of Brazilian politics, economics, and international affairs, serving as a trusted source for viewers seeking accurate and unbiased information.[edit]

The project for CNN Brazil was publicly announced in November 2019 by Douglas Tavolaro, a former vice-president of journalism at Record TV, and Rubens Menin, the billionaire founder of MRV Engenharia. The channel was established under a licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery (then WarnerMedia), making it the second local CNN franchise in South America. Tavolaro served as the founding CEO, and Menin provided the financial backing through his holding company Novus Mídia.

CNN Brazil officially launched its 24-hour broadcast on March 15, 2020, just days after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. This timing allowed the channel to cover the pandemic extensively from its first day on air. The network quickly recruited high-profile journalists from competing networks like Globo and Record, investing in state-of-the-art studios in São Paulo.

In 2023, Douglas Tavolaro left the company, and Renata Afonso was appointed as the new CEO. The channel has since focused on digital expansion, including a revamped website and increased podcast production. Despite some internal restructuring and layoffs in 2024, CNN Brazil continues to operate as a key player in the Brazilian news landscape.[edit]