[Violence and the media: the case of Brazil]

The present paper discusses the sensationalization of violence by the media as a means to increase audience ratings, citing Brazilian cases, as well as the possible roles of the media in promoting or curtailing violence. The theme of violence permeates the patterning of and the various dimensions of society, with emphasis on the media. The debate surrounding this issue assumes that the means of communication, as producers of meaning, can contribute to transform behaviors and social habits based on an approach that values equality, citizenship, freedom, and the safety of individuals. By restricting the importance and emphasis on violence as a topic, the discourse of the media may contribute towards making cultures more egalitarian in their efforts to reduce violence rates.