CNN to launch in Brazil
Brazilian media company Novus Mídia has successfully completed negotiations with Turner International Latin America to licence its use of the CNN news network brand in Brazil, as well as certain content and audio-visual rights, and in which it was advised by local law firm Demarest.
Novus Mídia is a joint venture between Brazilian entrepreneur Rubens Menin, founder of construction and real estate company MRV, and journalist Douglas Tavolaro, a former vice president at local media company Grupo Record, and who will assume the positions of chairman of the board of directors and CEO respectively.
Greg Beitchman, vice president of content sales and partnerships at CNN, said the expansion of the brand to Brazil is part of “a global strategy to work with partners who think the same way.” CNN Brasil will be available on a cable channel 24 hours a day and on digital platforms.
The licencing of the American brand also provides for the broadcasting of content produced by CNN International. However, use of the CNN brand by Novus Mídia does not imply the company will follow CNN’s editorial guidelines.
MRV’s Menin was quoted by local media as saying the new channel will have “no relationship with the government, but with Brazil”. “We will undertake serious journalism, with ethical standards and commitment to the truth,” he added.
Elsewhere in Latin America, CNN operates channels in Mexico and Chile.
Demarest had previously advised Conedi Participações and Aerroc Participações e Serviços in the negotiation and execution with Autore Produções Eireli of an investment agreement for the operation of Novus Mídia.
Demarest’s team was led by partners José Setti Diaz (M&A and corporate) and Tatiana Campello (IP), and also included associates Julia Pazos (IP), Camila Garrote (IP), Thais Lipinsky (tax), Fernando Fracari Vargas (M&A and corporate), Julia Vazquez Tourinho (M&A and corporate) and Luiza Peralta (M&A and Corporate).
Simpson Thatcher acted as US counsel to Conedi Participações, and the company’s regulatory counsel in Brazil was Cesnik, Quintino e Salinas Advogados.
Law firm Barbosa, Müssnich Aragão Advogados acted as counsel to Turner International Latin America, while TW Advogados acted as counsel to Douglas Tavolaro de Oliveira and Autore Produções Eirelli.
