And the truth shall set you free:
Record TV’s 24-hour news channel is launched

A landmark has been set in stone - and in the airwaves - for the UCKG in Brazil. On September the 27th, Record News TV launched it’s first ever 24-hour Brazilian news channel, available nationwide as a free to air broadcast. The impact of having a news channel that more than rivals the older established networks is nothing less than monumental. Brazil has struggled with the monopoly of news agencies with unethical practices and a clear anti-Christian bias that has caused much difficulty for Christian churches for decades.

Bishop Edir Macedo spoke at the launch ceremony, that was attended by Brazilian President Lula da Silva, the governor of Sao Paolo, Jose Serra, and many other dignitaries. Bishop Macedo said that this launch was a long time dream that had finally come true, “We launch today, Record News, a TV channel for all Brazilians, no matter their social or economic level, their political or religious views. I thank everyone who made an effort to make this channel a reality, and above all, I thank my God, who has been helping us always!”

There is no question that in all areas of the world, there is a clear media bias in the way that news is presented on the air and in print, and because of these very subtle suggestions that we are fed by a generally atheistic press, we ourselves begin to accept their viewpoint as the truth. Candidates are elected, laws are passed, and our attitudes are shaped by the media, making the need for honest and fair reporting that examines all sides of a story extremely important.

"There is a clear media bias in the way that news is presented on the air..."

“The Spin Stops Here”, is one of the catch phrases of a popular news commentator, and reflects the reality that news is often a lot more than just plain facts. Just as a footballer can put a spin on the ball to bend it in the direction he wants, a news reporter, agency or network can “spin” the news to sound the way they prefer. Why do some news networks choose the terms “freedom fighter”, or “extremist” while others more bluntly call a suicide bomber, a terrorist? Why is it that news about Christian practices and morality is often ignored, pushed into a hidden corner of the newspaper, while scandals of pastors gets headline reporting for days on end? Record News, is now in the position to combat this problem in Brazil, offering a fair and balanced source of information 24 hours a day that is raising the standards of broadcasting for all other news agencies.

Governor Serra praised the innovative format and the unique style of the channel that will broadcast regional news all over the country. “This is an important and new experience for such a diverse country as Brazil.”

In his speech President Lula highlighted what the new channel represents for democracy.

“Record News came to help citizens to exercise one of the most sacred rights of a democracy: the access to information.” Together, President Lula and Bishop Macedo pressed the symbolic button that would start the transmissions of the TV channel.

Released on Friday, 26th October 2007