Think of a horse-riding French immigrant announcing news with a cornet. That’s how O Estado de S. Paulo, or Estadão, revolutionized newspaper sales. It began in 1875.
Welcome to the story of O Estado de S. Paulo. It is more than just a newspaper. It is a chronicle of Brazil’s journey. Estadão stands as one of Brazil’s most influential newspapers. It has shaped public opinion for over a century.
Initially named A Província de S. Paulo, Estadão emerged. It championed republican ideals. The paper quickly gained traction. It was due to its innovative sales approach. Before Estadão, newspapers relied on subscriptions. Estadão took to the streets.
Imagine the hustle. People purchase news fresh off the press. This street-selling system faced initial ridicule. Rivals mocked the idea. They soon adopted the same method. A French immigrant played a crucial role. He rode through Sāo Paulo. He announced the news with a cornet. This image became synonymous with Estadão.
By the late 19th century, O Estado de S. Paulo became Sāo Paulo’s largest newspaper. The Mesquita family acquired it in 1902. Their leadership defined the paper’s character. During World War I, Estadão supported the Allied cause. The German community retaliated. They withdrew advertisements. The Mesquita family stood firm.
The afternoon edition named Estadinho. It gained popularity nationwide. Jūlio de Mesquita Filho directed it. In 1924, the newspaper faced its first ban. It followed a tenant rebellion. Jūlio Mesquita tried to mediate. He was imprisoned briefly.
Following the old director’s death in 1927, his sons took over. Jūlio de Mesquita Filho and Francisco managed the paper. In 1930, Estadão backed Getūlio Vargas. This was during the Liberal Alliance. The paper saw the Brazilian Revolution as a turning point.
In 1932, Grupo Estado led the constitutionalist revolution. The revolt’s failure led to exile for many. It included Jūlio de Mesquita Filho and Francisco Mesquita. Getūlio Vargas later appointed Armando de Salles Oliveira as governor. He was the son-in-law of Jūlio Mesquita. Armando secured amnesty for the rebels.
The Estado Novo era brought more challenges. The newspaper opposed the regime. In 1940, DOPS invaded Estadão. They mockingly altered the paper. The government confiscated it. DIP controlled it until 1945. The Supreme Federal Court returned it to its owners.
After World War II, Estadão flourished. Its international section became renowned. Led by Giannino Carta and Ruy Mesquita, it dominated. O Estado de S. Paulo prioritized international news on its front page.
During the República Nova, Estadão opposed all governments. Especially that of Joāo Goulart. In 1964, it initially supported the military coup. It later broke with the regime.
Censorship became a stark reality. In 1968, the editor was arrested. It was because of his refusal to remove a critical editorial. The newspaper replaced censored articles. Verses from The Lusiads appeared. This act of defiance gained global recognition.
In 1974, O Estado de S. Paulo received the Golden Pen of Freedom Award. Financial difficulties arose in the 1970s. The construction of new headquarters led to debt.
Post-military dictatorship, Augusto Nunes revamped Estadão in 1986. He introduced color printing in 1991. After Ruy Mesquita’s death in 1996, his brother became director.
Grupo Estado expanded. It includes OESP Mídia and Rádio Eldorado. Jornal da Tarde was discontinued in 2012.
Today, O Estado de S. Paulo upholds its legacy. It champions freedom of expression and economic liberalism. It remains a vital voice in Brazilian journalism. It is a testament to enduring principles.
So, as you stand here, remember the legacy. O Estado de S. Paulo embodies courage. It also embodies journalistic integrity. It shapes Brazil’s narrative.