Why independent media represents a long-term alliance with Lula.

On Bom Dia 247 this Saturday, anchored by Leonardo Attuch, he asked me a challenging question.

"What will be the role of independent media in Lula's government?"

You can check out the detailed answer in the video itself. Nothing was planned. Everything was live.

I replied that I understand the role of independent media will be to enlighten the public about the measures that will have to be implemented to dismantle the fascist and plundering project that has been underway since 2016. This will require a great deal of effort from us, certainly greater than what we have been doing since the coup attempts began, especially from June 2013 onwards.

In other words, a lot of work ahead.

And now I speak not only as a journalist, but as a citizen who loves this country, in the sense of the nobility that constitutes a nation, which I compare to a ship on which everyone should travel safely and comfortably.

Unlike the Titanic, which was severely divided into social classes, where a smaller group enjoyed caviar, fine music, good drinks, luxury, and ostentation, while the majority had very little. And there were others who wanted to be on board, but even that, for economic reasons, they were not entitled to.

Independent media has had the role of showing that another Brazil is possible. Unlike what the corporate media defends, a country of privileges.

The alliance that exists now will only last until Commander Lula frees the ship from the iceberg. After that, you can write it down, she will argue that the best pilot was the one who would lead us to irreversible disaster.

He will try to return command of the ship to a commander of that type. And I'm not talking about Bolsonaro, who could never have had the opportunity to take the helm, but about others who seem to have the ability, but who, deep down, were never prepared for a long voyage.

Therefore, leaving aside the maritime analogy, I say without fear of being wrong that the long-term alliance with Lula is represented by the independent media. And one of the reasons is precisely the struggle that has been going on since 2013.

Independent media was the novelty that emerged amidst the storm, and it's here to stay. 

Crucial institutions such as the Workers' Party, the CUT (Unified Workers' Central), and the MST (Landless Workers' Movement) emerged from the struggle against the dictatorship. They already existed, therefore, when Lava Jato, in alliance with the corporate media, undermined the foundations of popular sovereignty.

Independent media was born and strengthened in the fight against fascism. It has established itself as an important vehicle for democratic ideas, far beyond what corporate media does, for which democracy has limited reach. It is not, therefore, democracy, but a discourse of convenience for the advancement of the neoliberal project.

Let no one be fooled by William Bonner's declarations welcoming new times. Soon, the institution he represents will be cornering Lula over national wealth—especially oil—which this institution considers assets that should generate wealth for a select few.

The media will have the role of clarifying necessary measures, but it should never be a mouthpiece for the government. It will have to criticize when necessary, but always taking into account the national interest, not in the empty and opportunistic sense that the old press lends to it, but in the sense that a nation must welcome everyone, and the first step is to use wealth such as oil for economic and social development.

Make no mistake, in the case of Petrobras, Globo and its affiliates and allies will side with the private shareholders—especially since they represent them. It's necessary to value media outlets that point to a different path. In the end, it will be better for everyone. What we all want is to reach our destination, not to be shipwrecked at sea.