# Extortion allegations against journalist Rodrigo Bocardi > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/extortion-allegations-against-journalist-rodrigo-bocardi > Updated: 2026-09-11T01:24:32.000Z. Sources: 26. Developments: 2. Journalist Rodrigo Bocardi is facing allegations of extortion and unethical journalistic practices following claims made by Jonas Donizete, the former Secretary of Technology and Communication for Embu das Artes. Donizete alleges that Bocardi used his multimedia company, BocaTV, to pressure municipal governments in São Paulo for advertising contracts in exchange for favorable news coverage, claiming to possess recordings that support these accusations. Bocardi has denied the claims, describing them as ‘bandidagem’ (thuggery) and stating that BocaTV’s ‘Prefeitura Parceira’ commercial model for institutional advertising is legal and does not prevent the reporting of citizen complaints. In response to the controversy, the broadcaster SBT initially ended its commercial partnership with BocaTV and placed Bocardi on temporary leave while its compliance department conducted an internal investigation. Following this period, SBT confirmed the termination of Bocardi’s contract. While the broadcaster stated the decision followed Bocardi’s choice to focus on his own companies, Bocardi expressed frustration, alleging that the network failed to support him against political and institutional pressures. Following his departure, the news program ‘SBT Cidades’ has seen a significant increase in viewership under the solo command of Erica Reis. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-11: Rodrigo Bocardi leaves SBT amid extortion allegations Journalist Rodrigo Bocardi has left SBT following allegations by a former official that he solicited payments from municipalities for favorable coverage on his digital channel, BocaTV. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rodrigo-bocardi-suspended-from-sbt-amid-extortion-allegations ### 2026-09-09: SBT ends partnership with Rodrigo Bocardi's BocaTV amid allegations SBT has severed its partnership with Rodrigo Bocardi's BocaTV and prohibited him from promoting the company on air following extortion allegations made by a former official in Embu das Artes. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sbt-ends-partnership-with-rodrigo-bocardis-bocatv --- Cite as: Extortion allegations against journalist Rodrigo Bocardi. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/extortion-allegations-against-journalist-rodrigo-bocardi