CNN Brazil to Launch Free-to-Air Broadcast, Challenging Major Networks

Six years after launching in Brazil, CNN Brazil plans to expand from subscription‑only services to free‑to‑air television. The move, led by entrepreneur Rubens Menin of MRV, aims to build a national network through partnerships with regional stations, initially targeting around 20 capital cities in the South and Southeast, including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Porto Alegre, Curitiba, Florianópolis and Vitória.

The broadcaster expects the rollout to begin in the second half of 2026, with a potential delay to early 2027, and projects an audience reach of 80‑100 million people. By entering the open‑air market, CNN Brazil will compete directly with established Brazilian networks such as Globo, SBT, Record and Band, especially during the upcoming election period when news demand rises.