📺⚖️ Medialivre considers legal action to expand access to presidential debates

Oneliner

Medialivre, owner of CMTV and Now, is considering legal action to enforce an ERC ruling that calls for broader participation in presidential debates. The ERC has recommended that RTP, SIC, and TVI coordinate with other broadcasters to enhance inclusivity ahead of the January 2026 elections. Meanwhile, the first debate between candidates António José Seguro and André Ventura is set to take place today, amid ongoing disputes over media access.

Key points

• Medialivre plans to file a lawsuit to enforce ERC's ruling on debate inclusivity.
• ERC recommends that RTP, SIC, and TVI coordinate with other broadcasters for debates.
• The first presidential debate between Seguro and Ventura is set to begin today.
• SIC and TVI maintain that their debate model does not exclude other operators.

Links

• Diário de Notícias: Seguro e Ventura marcam primeiro duelo por Belém
• Diário de Notícias: Medialivre admite avançar na justiça para alargar debates a todos os operadores

Facts

• ERC recommended broader coordination among broadcasters for presidential debates.
• The presidential elections are scheduled for 18 January 2026.
• The first debate will feature António José Seguro and André Ventura.
• Medialivre argues that the current debate model restricts access for other operators.

Quotes

• What we advocate is that the debates be more participatory, livelier and, above all, reach more people — Carlos Rodrigues

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