Brazil Senate committee approves dozens of community radio licenses

The Senate's Science, Technology, Innovation and Informatics Committee (CCT) approved 40 licensing and renewal requests for radio stations in 13 Brazilian states. Most of the approvals (32) concern community radio stations, which are non‑profit outlets serving local audiences. Six requests involve FM service permissions, while two concern AM stations being converted to FM under concession arrangements.

The approvals were processed as projects of legislative decree and will move to promulgation. The meeting was chaired by the committee’s vice‑president, Senator Hamilton Mourão (Republicanos‑RS). Applicants ranged from local cultural associations to educational institutions, each receiving either an authorization, permission or concession depending on the service type.

These authorizations allow the stations to operate without a permanent lease, subject to revocation under the terms set by law, and aim to enhance community integration and local information dissemination.