Recent severe storms caused widespread power outages in São Paulo, Brazil, on November 21st, disrupting both television broadcasts and daily life for millions. In response, Globo, Brazil’s dominant media conglomerate, temporarily removed subscription requirements for its streaming platform, Globoplay, offering access to popular series and *novelas* to those without power. The incident highlights the growing intersection of conventional broadcasting and streaming services, as well as the vulnerability of media consumption to infrastructure challenges.
Brazilian Broadcaster Lifts Restrictions on Series and Novelas Amidst Power Outage
Globoplay, a leading Brazilian streaming service, made its series and novelas (telenovelas) available to non-subscribers on November 21st after a widespread power outage plunged São Paulo into darkness. The move aimed to provide entertainment to residents affected by the disruption, according to reports.
The blackout, caused by severe weather, also impacted television viewership. A Flamengo soccer match broadcast on Globo, the country’s largest television network, achieved record ratings in the Intercontinental competition. However, the outage significantly reduced viewership in São Paulo, demonstrating the impact of the weather event on live television consumption.
Globo also experienced disruptions to its scheduled programming of novelas due to the storm. The network was reportedly hindered in its ability to air planned episodes following the strong winds that swept through São Paulo, according to VEJA.
Elsewhere in the television landscape, the SBT network saw its daytime talk show, “Fofocalizando,” experience a ratings dip, allowing Band to surpass it in viewership. This shift in audience share highlights the competitive nature of Brazilian daytime television.
Adding to the challenges for Globo, a Corinthians soccer match on the Copa do Brasil, broadcast on the network, also saw its audience impacted by an outage caused by Enel, a local energy provider. The incident underscores the vulnerability of live broadcasts to external factors like power disruptions, and the increasing importance of reliable infrastructure for media consumption.
