Book Reveals Why Paulo Henrique Amorim Criticizes Big Media

Critical Take on Amorim’s Fourth Power: Unveiling TV Globo’s Dominance over Brazilian Media

Paulo Henrique Amorim’s book, Fourth Power, offers a progressive critique of major media, particularly TV Globo and the Marinho family. Amorim, a former anchor for TV Globo and author of the Conversa Afiada blog since the 1990s, is widely known for his critical stance against his former employers. Now 74 years old and working at TV Record, Amorim continues to use his blog and his book to express his views, alleging major media’s biased reporting, lack of transparency, and disregard for ethical standards. The book’s title, “Fourth Power,” reinterprets Edmund Burke’s original term—traditionally associated with the press—to specifically target TV Globo, Brazil’s largest open television network, which Amorim asserts controls at least 60% of national advertising revenue. Pedro Zambarda’s column on Storia Brasil featured an article about Amorim’s book in 2017; the column was later republished on Medium on July 6, 2018.

The Rise and Rivalry of Amorim in Brazilian Journalism and Television

Amorim’s extensive career in journalism began with his role as Veja magazine’s first international correspondent in New York, where he worked prior to the military coup alongside Carlos Lacerda, known for his attempt to overthrow Getúlio Vargas. He also served as a main editor at Exame magazine, where he developed its “Best and Greatest Companies” guide. During this period, he solidified his friendship with Mino Carta and maintained ties with Elio Gaspari at Editora Abril. Fourth Power specifically highlights Amorim’s tenure at Jornal do Brasil, a publication he describes as the “Brazilian New York Times.” His appreciation for quality daily journalism and the rivalry with TV Globo in Rio de Janeiro contributed to his mixed feelings before he transitioned into television. At TV Globo, Amorim created the slogan “Olá, Tudo Bem,” served as a CNN correspondent, and collaborated with Lilian Witte Fibe on economic coverage. At that time, Miriam Leitão was not yet a top-awarded journalist or part of the Marinho family broadcasters’ leadership in coverage.

Amorim’s Reflections on Journalism and Power Dynamics in Media Empires

Amorim recommends Fourth Power to journalism students, emphasizing its value as a counterpoint to mainstream media narratives and the work of contemporary journalists. He endorses the book for its insightful excerpts and notes that its tone differs from the ironic style often found in his Conversa Afiada blog. Amorim has often addressed public curiosity regarding his strong criticism of TV Globo, particularly given his 12-year tenure with the network, which included living in New York City and extensive travel. He explains his perspective: “I gave my all — professionalism, loyalty, hard work — to Globo, just like at Abril, Jornal do Brasil, TV Manchete, Band, TV Cultura, Zaz, Terra, UOL, and TV Record. But there’s a big difference between being under a bossy regime and a capitalist one. In the former, the boss owns the employee; in the latter, employer and worker negotiate work for pay. If either side gets unhappy, they can end the deal. It’s just a small difference. Yet, as an heir, I critique masters and jobs. And if I talk more about Globo and Roberto Marinho, it’s because they deserve it.”

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Bruno Pferd

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