Unveiling the Political Influence in Brazil's Community Radio Licensing: An Empirical Study.

As of 2023, there are over 5,000 community radio stations in Brazil. However, obtaining a license for community radio broadcasting can be quite challenging. This study reveals that obtaining a community radio broadcasting license in Brazil is easier with political support, as licenses are typically granted to those backed by politicians. Analyzing protocols showed that applications endorsed by congress members or senators were 2.14 times more likely to get approval. This indicates a need for transparency and fairness in the licensing process, where awards should be merit based, reflecting the community's needs rather than political influence. This will ensure equitable license distribution, benefiting local communities and deepening understanding of Brazil's community radio licensing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]