ERC opens investigation into unauthorized control change of Rádio Notícias

The Portuguese media regulator, Entidade Reguladora para a Comunicação Social (ERC), has opened an administrative offense proceeding against Rádio Notícias, Verbos Imaculados, Global Media, and businessman José Manuel Rogeira de Jesus. The investigation concerns an unauthorized change in control of seven radio operators, including TSF, which violates the Radio Law.

The regulator alleges that a transaction completed on March 25, 2026, resulted in Rogeira de Jesus gaining indirect control of 56.75% of Rádio Notícias through Parsoc and Fepi. This change of ownership required prior authorization from the ERC, but the regulator notes the transaction was only communicated the day after it was finalized.

The seven affected radio operators include Rádio Notícias, TSF – Rádio Jornal de Lisboa, TSF – Cooperativa Rádio Jornal do Algarve, Pense Positivo, Difusão de Ideias, Rádio Comercial dos Açores, and Notícias 2000 FM. The proceedings could result in fines ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 euros and the potential suspension of radio licenses. Legal representatives for Verbos Imaculados stated they acted in good faith and intend to present their defense within the process.