Brazil Senate CCT authorizes 24 community and FM radio stations across 12 states

The Senate’s Science and Technology Committee (CCT) approved 24 legislative decrees to grant new authorizations or renew existing licences for community radio stations and FM broadcasters in Brazil. The projects cover stations in Bahia, Ceará, Maranhão, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Pará, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, São Paulo and the Federal District. The decrees now move to the Senate Presidency for promulgation.

Most of the approvals concern non‑profit community radios that serve specific local audiences. Authorisations are issued without a bidding process and can be revoked at any time without compensation. FM licences are granted as “permissions,” also revocable but requiring a public tender. AM licences are granted as “concessions,” which involve a tender and have a fixed term. The CCT session was chaired by Senator Hamilton Mourão (Republicanos‑RS).