Politics · Brazil · 2 hrs ago
Messages show Vorcaro influenced coverage at Brazilian news sites
Messages show banker Daniel Vorcaro influenced news coverage at several Brazilian outlets, including Metrópoles, Brazil Journal, PlatôBR and IstoÉ.
The messages were extracted by Brazil’s Federal Police from the phone of Vorcaro, the former owner of Banco Master.
They indicate that he suggested edits, reviewed drafts and advised on how stories should be presented before publication.
Some coverage targeted Renato Gomes, a Central Bank director who had tightened oversight of Banco Master and opposed its sale to BRB, according to the messages described.
Vorcaro also urged coverage of political figures and asked that some subjects not be reported on.
The exchanges raise concerns about the independence of newsroom decisions where people tied to Vorcaro had investments or business links.
The outlets and people named have not all responded in the material provided, and no further official action is described.
Messages extracted by Brazil’s Federal Police from Daniel Vorcaro’s phone indicate he influenced news coverage at several Brazilian outlets.
The reports say he suggested changes to articles, reviewed material before publication and sought coverage targeting people he viewed as opponents.
The outlets named include Metrópoles, PlatôBR, Brazil Journal, IstoÉ, DCM and CartaCapital.
The reported influence involved investments, sponsorships and contacts with people connected to the publications.
Metrópoles CEO Lilian Tahan did not respond to Estadão’s request for comment, which said its space remained open.
- Who
- Former Banco Master owner Daniel Vorcaro, news executives and people linked to several Brazilian outlets.
- What
- Messages indicate Vorcaro influenced coverage, including by reviewing drafts and suggesting changes.
- When
- The reported exchanges span 2023 to 2025.
- Where
- Brazilian news sites, including Metrópoles, PlatôBR, Brazil Journal and IstoÉ.
- Why
- The reports say Vorcaro sought to shape coverage about Banco Master and people he viewed as obstacles or opponents.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Geraldo Samor created BJ Conteúdo, and Foone, a company linked to Flávio Carneiro, took a 49.86% stake.
Vorcaro commissioned a cover about Biomm for IstoÉ Dinheiro and later told Carneiro that stories about several politicians could not run without his knowledge.
After the announced sale of Banco Master to BRB, Carneiro said he would send Vorcaro drafts before publication.
Tahan told Vorcaro that Renato Gomes had the highest reported spending on air tickets and daily allowances among Central Bank directors.
Vorcaro reviewed a draft interview with former Central Bank president Roberto Campos Neto and advised on its focus.
Tahan sent Vorcaro a photo of electronic panels carrying a report about Renato Gomes.
- Person
- Daniel Vorcaro, former owner of Banco Master
- Outlet
- Metrópoles
- Central Bank director
- Renato Gomes
- Company stake
- Foone held 49.86% of BJ Conteúdo
- Publication
- A report about Renato Gomes appeared on electronic panels in Brasília
- Message date
- August 13, 2025
3 sources
What people are saying
Don't let Platô talk about Ciro and Rueda
Take Platô and crush this Cappelli
I'll align this at Platô and Correio.
We did a survey here on directors' spending on air tickets and daily allowances. And the champion is the character