The Brazilian large press celebrated with confetti and serpentine the shelving of project CFJ (Federal Council of Journalism). In the midst of the Christmas season, this premature Carnaval, inappropriate and careless, calls for reflection.

Independent journalists were the first to oppose—as well as the most legitimate and with the best credentials—the irresponsible proposal engendered by Fenaj (National Federation of Journalists), and the federal government as patron.

In the columns where they freely express themselves, be it print, radio, TV, news portals, in organizations such as the ABI (Brazilian Press Association), or the Observatório da Imprensa (Press Observatory), the scorching opinions of the prominent group of professional veterans provided the credible endorsement to the project’s rejection.

The editorials of media organizations or the employers’ institutional positions, not only lame, came late and did not gain public support because they were evidently compromised by interests that not always coincided with the people’s.

Contrary to the owner’s, the voices of professionals have validity, are respected, and may even coincide with the line of thought of the media group that pays the salary, or work efforts.  But they are voices with signature, of experienced journalists, and above all, with biography.

Sudden Death

The great debate over the CFJ, besides its intensity and duration, had the merit of exposing a new source of opinions in terms of press and freedom of expression. A third element was added to the traditional binomial corporations-government: independent journalists.

This is a fact that both government and media organizations need to take into account. They aren’t alone at the ideas market any longer.

Meaning that we may reach a situation similar to the American or European, where a news group’s viewpoint comes escorted by a good dose of skepticism, not unlike suspicions involving the state’s maneuverings.

Employers attempted to capitalize on a triumph that did not belong to them. The only effective corporate move was carried out by the ANJ (National Association of Newspapers)—and not an honorable one.

They butted heads with House Representative-businessman Nelson Proença (Populist Social Party—Rio Grande do Sul State) to convince him to request the shelving of the CFJ’s project, including its alternate proposal.

Independent journalists did not rejoice over the sudden death of the debate about the media. Journalists feed on controversies, news organizations rather bet on unanimities. And on silence.

Alberto Dines, the author, is a journalist, founder and researcher at LABJOR—Laboratório de Estudos Avançados em Jornalismo (Laboratory for Advanced Studies in Journalism) at UNICAMP (University of Campinas) and editor of the *Observatório da Imprensa. He also writes a column on cultural issues for the Rio daily Jornal do Brasil. You can reach him by email at obsimp@ig.com.br.

Translated from the Portuguese by Eduardo Assumpção de Queiroz. He is a freelance translator, with a degree in Business and almost 20 years of experience working in the fields of economics, communications, social and political sciences, and sports. He lives in Boca Raton, FL. His email: eaqus@adelphia.net.

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