This article outlines the role of the mainstream press in Brazil' s political process since the early 1950s, with the return to power (by popular vote) of Getulio Vargas, who held the Estado Novo dictatorship until 1945, when he was deposed by the military. Conservative right-wing sectors, with support from the media, led a campaign against him, eventually leading to his suicide in 1954. Several attempted coups ensued until 1964, when, with resolute support from major media outlets, a military coup established a dictatorship in the country. These same media outlets, some of which participated directly in the conspiracy that led to the overthrow of the João Goulart' s constitutional government, played an important role as supporters of the military dictatorship.
Getulio Vargas; Mainstream press; João Goulart; Coup d' État; Military dictatorship
