RTP, SIC and TVI Confirm Agreement with Candidates and Reject Exclusivity

The management of RTP, SIC and TVI guaranteed this Wednesday, October 29th, that there was a “complete understanding” between the three free-to-air television channels and the eight presidential candidates, in relation to the model of the debates that, as DN stated, will take place between November 17th and December 22nd and which led to complaints from Media Livre at the Social Communication Regulatory Entity (ERC) and the National Elections Commission (CNE).

“The three television stations, given the relevance of the election, once again underline the importance of free-to-air broadcasting available to all Portuguese on the continentautonomous regions and throughout the world through our international channels and digital platforms”, said the directors of RTP, SIC and TVI in a joint note sent to the presidential candidates, to which DN had access.

“We also understand to clarify that, At no point do we intend for an exclusive of the face-to-face model. First of all, because the proposed model only starts in the third week of November, then, and more importantly, because we live in a mature and plural democracy where all means count”, they said.

“We ourselves – through each of our brands – have autonomous initiatives in the form of interviews, reports, podcasts or even content produced by the entertainment areas of our channels with candidates”, they added.

“The request made not to hold other face-to-face debates specifically during this period aims solely to ensure good agenda management and effective communication of contentwhich is organized by three television operators, is perceived by citizens as a global enlightenment project provided by the communication strength that free-to-air television – with average audiences during this period of the year close to one million viewers – provide”, they highlighted.

“Everyone gave us a note that they will not accept other debates in that period, but we do not condition this issue”, they say.