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Correio da Manhã TV (CMTV) is a private Portuguese generalist channel, with a strong focus on news - specially crime and sensationalist subjects - and football. It is operated by Medialivre, owner of Correio da Manhã, a notable Portuguese tabloid and the most read newspaper in Portugal. It is available in basic fiber and satellite. The channel launched in March 2013 as an exclusive in Portugal to MEO.

Key Information

CMTV aims to expand to other platforms as the exclusivity contract expires. Despite this, it reached the top 30 channels in Portugal and expanded to Angola and Mozambique in 2014.[1]

In late 2015 CMTV reached an agreement with NOS to be available in this subscription TV provider from 14 January 2016. With this agreement CMTV reached over 80% of the paid TV subscribers in Portugal.[2][3]

The channel is the 5th most watched in Portugal.[4]

The channel has been available in Canada since late June 2017 (Bell Fibe TV/Bell).

At the end of April 2022, the CMTV journalist Marta Louro, 27 years old, died during a motorcycle accident while on the way to report the news live.[5]

References

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from Grokipedia
Correio da Manhã TV (CMTV) is a Portuguese pay television channel that operates as a generalist broadcaster with a primary focus on news programming, particularly sensationalist coverage of crime and football events. Launched on March 17, 2013, initially as an exclusive offering on the MEO platform, it has since expanded to all major subscription television operators in Portugal, including fiber and satellite services. Owned by Medialivre S.A. (formerly Cofina Media, with investors including Cristiano Ronaldo since 2023), the same conglomerate that publishes the popular tabloid newspaper Correio da Manhã, CMTV draws on the newspaper's journalistic resources to deliver round-the-clock content tailored to a broad audience seeking immediate and dramatic reporting. The channel's programming lineup features live news bulletins, in-depth investigations into criminal cases, and sports analysis, often prioritizing high-impact stories that align with the tabloid style of its parent publication. This approach has propelled CMTV to significant viewership success; by 2022, it became the most-watched cable channel in for the first time, maintaining leadership in the news category for over 61 consecutive months with shares surpassing competitors like SIC Notícias and TVI 24. As of October 2025, CMTV remained the leading cable channel in with a 5.9% share, in its 12th year as a key player in the media landscape. CMTV's content, while generalist in scope, shows a pronounced inclination toward informational and formats that emphasize current affairs over diverse genres, reflecting its roots in . Available not only in but also in international markets like , , and via cable and satellite, the channel has cultivated a reputation for accessible, viewer-engaging broadcasts that resonate with Portuguese-speaking communities worldwide.

History

Launch and Early Years

CMTV was founded by the Portuguese media group Cofina Media (now known as Medialivre) as an extension of its flagship tabloid newspaper, Correio da Manhã, to capitalize on the growing demand for accessible, sensationalist news programming in the market. The channel's creation was driven by the newspaper's established dominance in covering stories, scandals, and sports, particularly football, aiming to differentiate CMTV from more traditional broadcasters like RTP and by offering a 24-hour format centered on fast-paced, proximity-based . This launch occurred amid Portugal's economic crisis, with Cofina's president Paulo Fernandes describing it as a strategic "old aspiration" to expand the group's multimedia presence despite challenging market conditions. The channel officially launched on March 17, 2013, initially available exclusively on the MEO platform as channel 8, targeting subscribers seeking alternative content beyond mainstream options. Early programming emphasized short, frequent bulletins and talk shows focused on criminal investigations, public safety issues, and football highlights, reflecting the tabloid of Correio da Manhã to attract a broad audience with relatable, high-impact stories. The debut broadcast featured live segments covering current events in and , setting the tone for CMTV's unfiltered, on-the-ground reporting style that prioritized immediacy over in-depth analysis. To support this vision, Cofina assembled a core team of experienced journalists and on-air personalities for the launch. Carlos Rodrigues, former director of SIC Notícias, was appointed executive director, overseeing operations alongside deputy directors José Carlos Castro (a veteran TVI anchor with 18 years of experience) and others including Eduardo Dâmaso and Paulo João Santos. Key on-air talent included anchors Andreia Vale and João (from prior TVI roles), who debuted in the channel's inaugural news programs, bringing credibility and familiarity to the new venture. Initial partnerships, notably the exclusive distribution deal with MEO, enabled rapid rollout and provided the infrastructure for CMTV's round-the-clock emissions from its Lisbon studios.

Expansion and Milestones

Following its initial exclusive availability on the MEO platform, CMTV began expanding its international footprint in 2014 by entering the markets of and through partnerships with cable and satellite providers such as , ZAP, and TVCABO. These agreements allowed the channel to reach Portuguese-speaking audiences in via subscription television services, marking the first significant step in broadening its distribution beyond . A pivotal domestic expansion occurred on , , when CMTV signed a distribution agreement with NOS, Portugal's largest pay-TV operator at the time. This deal extended the channel's availability to NOS subscribers, increasing its penetration to over 80% of pay-TV households and approximately 3 million viewers. The agreement, finalized in late 2015, was described by CMTV director Octávio Ribeiro as a "historic moment" that enhanced national visibility without altering the channel's news-focused programming. Further growth came in 2017 with the launch of CMTV in , targeting the Portuguese diaspora. The channel became available on starting July 1, 2017, on channel 893, serving an estimated 550,000 nationwide. By the late , these expansions contributed to CMTV's rising prominence, positioning it as the fourth most-watched channel in overall in 2019 with a 4.6% audience share in the pay-TV segment, leading all thematic channels. In October 2023, Cofina Media underwent a led by its executives through the company Expressão Livre, with Portuguese footballer acquiring a 30% stake as a key investor. This transaction, completed on October 26, 2023, paved the way for the rebranding of the group to Medialivre S.A. on December 14, 2023, marking a new chapter in the channel's corporate structure while maintaining its operational focus. A somber milestone occurred on April 27, 2022, when 27-year-old CMTV journalist Marta Louro died in a motorcycle accident while returning from a reporting assignment in . The incident, involving a collision on the Eixo Norte-Sul highway, prompted widespread tributes from the station, including dedicated broadcasts and memorials that highlighted her dedication to on-the-ground . CMTV's operations were temporarily affected by collective mourning, with colleagues and management emphasizing her contributions to the channel's investigative reporting, leading to ongoing initiatives like annual remembrances to honor her legacy.

Programming

News and Current Affairs

CMTV's news and current affairs programming centers on daily news blocks that prioritize stories, political scandals, and sensational human-interest narratives, reflecting the channel's tabloid-oriented identity. These include multiple editions of Notícias CM, broadcast at key times such as 06:00 for early updates, 10:53 mid-morning, and 14:53 in the afternoon (as of November 2025), often featuring rapid-fire reports on breaking incidents. Flagship programs anchor this lineup, with Manhã CM serving as the primary morning bulletin from 09:08 to 11:40 on weekdays (extended in January 2025), delivering a mix of live news, interviews, and commentary on societal issues. The evening counterpart, Grande Jornal at 19:45, acts as the channel's main prime-time newscast, expanding on daily events with extended segments on controversies and public concerns. Investigative elements are prominent in dedicated shows like Investigação CM, a prime-time program hosted by Magali Pinto and Sara Carrilho, which delves into corruption cases, political intrigue, and social scandals affecting . Complementing this, Reportagem CM offers in-depth explorations of human-interest topics, including environmental challenges and generational divides, through field-based journalism. The channel's approach to emphasizes immersive on-scene reporting, firsthand interviews with witnesses and authorities, and vivid dramatic visuals to heighten engagement with stories like and probes. For example, Rua Segura combines analysis and investigation to address and public safety, often spotlighting urban security lapses. Notable coverage includes the channel's detailed reporting on the 2025 Algarve trial, featuring courtroom live feeds and interviews that underscored procedural mysteries. Such high-profile crime narratives, including early post-launch scandals in 2013, helped establish CMTV's reputation for gripping, viewer-captivating content. Since its 2013 debut, CMTV's news format has evolved by integrating digital tools, such as for real-time event coverage—like all-night broadcasts during 2024 wildfires—and short video clips shared on the official website for extended reach. This shift enhances accessibility while maintaining the core sensationalist lens on urgent societal stories.

Sports Coverage

CMTV's sports programming is heavily centered on football, aligning with its role as a generalist news channel that prioritizes high-interest topics for audiences. The channel provides extensive coverage of domestic and international football, featuring regular updates, expert commentary, and dedicated segments within its news blocks and standalone shows. This focus differentiates CMTV from purely entertainment-oriented broadcasters, emphasizing timely reporting on matches, transfers, and league developments to capture the passion of football fans nationwide. A cornerstone of CMTV's football coverage is its lineup of specialized programs, including "Golos," a daily highlight reel that showcases key moments from games and select international leagues, often aired in slots around 20:00 and 21:30. The program includes post-match analysis, player interviews, and tactical breakdowns, drawing on footage and insights from recent fixtures to keep viewers engaged. Complementing this, "Liga D'Ouro" serves as a forum, typically broadcast on Sundays at 22:20, where journalists, former players, and pundits discuss previews, controversies, and reviews of Portuguese football, such as club elections and refereeing decisions. "Duelo Final," airing shortly after major matches around 22:15, offers immediate post-game dissections, focusing on pivotal plays and team strategies. These shows collectively ensure comprehensive examination of the sport, often extending into late-night replays for broader accessibility. While CMTV does not hold primary broadcast rights for live matches—those are managed by entities like —the channel integrates real-time reporting and reactions during live news interruptions, providing on-site correspondent updates and fan reactions from stadiums. Since its 2013 launch, CMTV has maintained partnerships with major clubs like Benfica, , and Sporting CP through media access agreements, enabling exclusive interviews, training ground visits, and archival content that enriches its programming. This collaborative approach has been key to securing unique angles on league events, enhancing the channel's sports output without direct transmission rights. Beyond football, CMTV's non-soccer sports content remains limited, primarily covering major international events such as the , , or Olympics through integrated news segments and occasional special reports. These broadcasts highlight Portuguese athletes' performances across modalities like or , but without dedicated shows, reflecting the channel's resource allocation toward football dominance. Fan engagement is woven into sports programming via tie-ins, where viewers interact on platforms like during "Liga D'Ouro" episodes, sharing opinions that sometimes influence on-air discussions, alongside occasional call-in features in news bulletins for live match reactions. This interactive element fosters community involvement, amplifying CMTV's role in Portugal's sports discourse.

Ownership and Operations

Corporate Structure

CMTV has been owned by Medialivre S.A. (formerly known as Cofina Media) since its , operating as a within the conglomerate's television division alongside sister channel News Now. Medialivre, headquartered in , , was established in 1995 and rebranded in December 2023 following a and acquisition by a of investors through the Expressão Livre II, SGPS, S.A. The transaction, completed on November 8, 2023, valued Cofina Media at approximately €53.4 million, with €48.6 million paid in cash and the remainder in non-cash considerations, marking a significant structural shift from its previous parent entity, Cofina SGPS. The ownership group includes key figures such as Luís Santana, who serves as CEO of Medialivre with tenure dating back to at least 2023 as part of the acquiring management team, alongside other executives and investors like Ana Dias, Octávio Ribeiro, , and Paulo Fernandes. In June 2024, Medialivre acquired the radio stations SBSR and Rádio Festival, enhancing its radio assets. As of November 2025, the holding structure remains focused on media operations with core print, digital, radio, and television assets. CMTV and News Now, the latter launched on 17 June 2024 as a 24-hour channel, share production facilities and operational resources within Medialivre's division, enabling integrated content strategies across and sports programming. Financially, Medialivre's operations, including CMTV, rely primarily on tied to high-engagement and content, supplemented by digital platforms, events, and ancillary services. In the year leading up to the 2023 ownership change, Cofina Media generated revenues from television operations (encompassing CMTV) amounting to a portion of its total €61.5 million from discontinued activities, with forming the dominant stream alongside sales and service fees. Post-acquisition, the group has emphasized diversified models, though specific 2024-2025 figures remain undisclosed; the structure supports CMTV's role as a key revenue driver through its focus on sensationalist and football coverage.

Technical Specifications

CMTV employs a 16:9 aspect ratio across its programming, delivering content in standard definition (SDTV) resolution for compatibility with legacy systems and high definition (HDTV) for enhanced visual quality on modern receivers. These formats adhere to Portugal's PAL-based standards, with a frame rate of 25 fps and square . Audio transmission follows DVB-compliant standards, utilizing AAC codec for stereo sound at typical bitrates around 128 kbps, ensuring clear delivery over digital channels. The channel's signals are encoded in H.264/MPEG-4 AVC video codec, supporting efficient bandwidth use in cable and satellite feeds with symbol rates such as 30,000 on /QPSK modulation. Production occurs at facilities in , , where the channel maintains studios equipped for live news and sports coverage. In 2015, CMTV upgraded its infrastructure by integrating the AEQ Kroma Conexia intercom platform, replacing older matrix systems to accommodate studio expansions and improve real-time communication for on-air teams. Launched on , 2013, CMTV began broadcasting in 16:9 format from , aligning with the growing adoption of HD in Portuguese cable and services during the early . The full transition to routine HD output occurred progressively, with feeds becoming standard by the mid-2010s to match national HDTV rollout. To enhance accessibility, CMTV incorporates closed captions and in its news programs, complying with Portuguese audiovisual regulations that mandate subtitling for informational content to support viewers with hearing impairments. These features are integrated into live and recorded segments, using on-screen text synchronized with spoken dialogue.

Broadcast Availability

National Distribution in Portugal

CMTV launched on March 17, 2013, as an exclusive channel on the MEO platform, the IPTV and satellite service operated by (formerly Portugal Telecom). This initial distribution agreement provided access to MEO's substantial subscriber base, which at the time represented a significant portion of 's pay-TV market, enabling the channel to establish a foothold in cable and IPTV households nationwide. The exclusivity to MEO lasted until late 2015, when CMTV secured a distribution deal with NOS, another major provider offering cable, IPTV, and fiber services. Under this agreement, CMTV became available on NOS starting January 14, 2016, expanding its reach to over 80% of paid-TV subscribers in Portugal at that time by combining the two largest operators' networks. Further growth occurred in December 2017 with an agreement to join Vodafone Portugal's lineup, effective December 21, making the channel accessible via this provider's cable, IPTV, and DTH satellite services. This addition targeted Vodafone's subscriber base, enhancing penetration in mobile-integrated TV packages. By 2025, CMTV is carried by all principal national providers—MEO, NOS, and —along with smaller operators like Nowo, achieving distribution to over 80% of Portugal's approximately 4.7 million pay-TV households across cable, IPTV, and platforms. These agreements have not included (DTT), limiting availability to subscription services. CMTV's distribution complies with Portugal's audiovisual media framework, primarily Law No. 27/2007 of July 30 (as amended), which governs television services and mandates fair access, content quotas, and pluralism in carriage agreements. The Regulatory Authority for Communication (ERC) oversees these operations, ensuring providers negotiate in and that channels like CMTV meet licensing requirements for national coverage without undue exclusivity that could harm . The progressive expansion of distribution deals has directly contributed to CMTV's viewership growth, transforming it from a MEO-only outlet into a leading news channel; for instance, post-NOS integration, it topped information channel ratings in April 2016, and by , it achieved its first overall daily leadership among Portuguese cable channels. This broader carriage has amplified its national impact, particularly in news dissemination, by reaching diverse household segments through varied delivery technologies.

International Reach

CMTV expanded its broadcast footprint beyond Portugal starting in 2014, targeting Portuguese-speaking audiences in . The channel launched in and on June 5, 2014, through a partnership with , integrating it into the platform's base offerings. This initial rollout was followed by availability on additional local operators ZAP and TV Cabo in August 2014. The expansion aimed to strengthen cultural and informational ties within the Portuguese-speaking community, leveraging CMTV's focus on news and entertainment content relevant to lusophone markets. In 2017, CMTV further extended its reach to , becoming available in on July 1, 2017, via on channel 893 with national coverage. This launch targeted the approximately 550,000 individuals of Portuguese origin, particularly in including , providing access to Portuguese-language programming amid the . The international feeds emphasize content that resonates with and immigrant communities, including news from and local adaptations such as dedicated programming hours featuring lusodescent artists. As of 2025, CMTV's international presence remains concentrated in these African and markets, serving Portuguese-speaking demographics and fostering cultural connections without verified expansions to other diaspora hubs like or the . In and , the channel appeals to urban, cable-subscribed households interested in media, while in , it supports community engagement for first- and second-generation .

Reception and Impact

Viewership Statistics

Since its launch in 2013, CMTV has demonstrated consistent viewership growth, evolving from a niche news outlet to the dominant cable channel in . Early milestones included surpassing key information competitors by 2016, with an average of 35,800 viewers per minute on select days. By mid-decade, monthly averages reached around 40,900 viewers per minute, positioning it as the fourth most-watched cable channel overall. Annual viewership rankings have solidified CMTV's leadership among cable channels since the mid-2010s, with uninterrupted dominance for 42 consecutive months as of 2025. In December 2018, it achieved a 3.5% audience share, more than double that of SIC Notícias (1.9%) and TVI 24 (1.5%). This trend accelerated post-2022, with a 12% year-over-year increase in 2024, averaging 129,000 viewers per minute across the year. Peak performance during segments and football broadcasts has routinely driven shares above 8%, as seen in August 2025 when CMTV briefly outpaced with 8.4% share on a high-engagement day. Specific metrics highlight CMTV's prime-time strength, often exceeding 100,000 daily viewers. In 2024, November marked a record 5.9% share with over 130,000 average viewers per minute, fueled by sensational news appeal. This momentum carried into 2025: January averaged 133,900 viewers and 5.8% share; May hit 141,000 viewers and 6.6% share; July reached 6.31% share; August set a new high at 6.8%; September delivered 6.2% share with 135,700 viewers per minute—outpacing the combined audience of SIC Notícias, , and RTP3; and October maintained leadership with 129,000 viewers and 5.9% share. Comparisons underscore CMTV's edge in the news sector. On December 31, 2024, it captured 5.4% share versus 2.4% for both SIC Notícias and . Sensational programming, particularly crime-focused content, has been a key driver of these figures, sustaining higher engagement than more traditional formats. Post-2022 trends reflect accelerated digital integration, with streaming via CMTV's website boosting overall reach amid a 51% rise in information channel audiences from 2020 to 2025.
Year/MonthAverage Viewers per MinuteAudience Share (%)Notes
2016 (select)35,800–40,900~3–4Early leadership in info cable channels
Dec 2018N/A3.5Double competitors' shares
2024 (annual)129,0005–6 (late months)12% YoY growth
Nov 2024>130,0005.9Record at the time
Jan 2025133,9005.8Best January ever
May 2025141,0006.6All-time monthly high
Jul 2025N/A6.31Strong growth
Aug 2025N/A6.8New overall record
Sep 2025135,7006.2Outpaces all rivals combined
Oct 2025129,0005.9Continued dominance

Criticisms and Controversies

CMTV has faced accusations of unethical practices, particularly in its coverage of stories, where critics argue the channel exploits victims for dramatic effect and exhibits bias toward sensational narratives that prioritize viewer engagement over balanced reporting. The channel's emphasis on graphic details and repeated airing of distressing footage from crime scenes has drawn complaints from victims' families and groups, who contend it revictimizes those affected by turning personal tragedies into . Since its launch in , CMTV has been under regulatory scrutiny by the Entidade Reguladora para a Comunicação Social (ERC), Portugal's media authority, for failing to fully adhere to standards against in general-interest . The ERC's 2024 Regulatory Report highlighted that CMTV's programming "remains only partially consistent with those of a general service, exhibiting a greater tendency towards those of a news channel, with a marked emphasis on crime and ," noting ongoing concerns about the channel's deviation from and diversity requirements. This scrutiny has included multiple interventions and fines related to biased reporting and excessive focus on lurid content, reflecting broader efforts to enforce ethical guidelines in television. Notable controversies include high-profile legal challenges stemming from CMTV's coverage of prominent figures and events. In 2016, Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo publicly feuded with the channel over its persistent and allegedly intrusive reporting on his personal life, leading to a boycott of CMTV by Ronaldo. More recently, in 2021, Portuguese-American businessman César DePaço filed a lawsuit against CMTV, alongside SIC and Sábado magazine, accusing them of falsely portraying him as the main financier of the far-right party Chega, which he claimed damaged his reputation and led to demands for damages. These cases have resulted in public apologies from CMTV in some instances, such as retractions broadcast after court rulings, underscoring tensions between the channel's aggressive journalistic style and legal accountability. The tragic death of CMTV Marta Louro in April 2022, a 27-year-old reporter who perished in a while en route to cover a story in , amplified discussions on the dangers of field reporting in high-pressure environments. Louro's fatal collision on the Eixo Norte-Sul , as she rushed to a live assignment, highlighted the physical risks faced by journalists at outlets like CMTV, which often demand rapid, on-the-ground coverage of breaking crime . By 2025, CMTV's tabloid-style approach has fueled broader cultural debates in Portugal's media landscape about the role of sensationalist television in shaping public discourse and eroding journalistic standards. As a leading cable channel with significant audience share, CMTV is often critiqued as a "sensationalist medium" that amplifies and at the expense of substantive analysis, contributing to polarized views and concerns over media polarization amid rising far-right narratives. These discussions, echoed in analyses of Portugal's evolving media , question whether such formats undermine trust in and prioritize commercial success over societal responsibility.

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