Radio Itatiaia Cuts Staff
Rádio Itatiaia laid off approximately 20 employees on Tuesday, 10 Nov 2026, following federal restrictions on sports betting sponsorships, according to Brasil 247. While the station confirmed 16 departures officially, the broadcaster—owned by businessman Rubens Menin, who also owns CNN Brasil—has initiated a wider series of layoffs.
The Belo Horizonte station dismissed members of its sports department, including commentator Alê Oliveira and narrator Pequetito Reis. Terra reported that the company confirmed 16 departures during the restructuring, while Brasil 247 put the total figure near 20. The company informed the staff that the financial adjustments were necessary due to the loss of revenue from the betting sector.
Until September, the broadcaster held commercial contracts with at least four betting firms that funded coverage for Atlético Mineiro and Cruzeiro matches. This federal regulation also mandated the closure of betting companies and the return of funds held in user accounts, citing social, financial, and sanitary impacts as justification for the ban.
“It’s been almost five years at Rádio Itatiaia, I say goodbye full of gratitude,” Oliveira posted on Instagram, as cited by Terra.
Departing Voices Speak Out
Caratinga Daily said that the narrator learned of his termination during a meeting with station management.
“I just went to a meeting with management and was informed by the director that I’m being let go,” Reis said. He added, “God knows what He’s doing. It was a joy to work for this company.”
In a separate social media post, Reis also said that “all good things come to an end.”
Oliveira also confirmed his departure after nearly five years with the network.
“Thank you for the opportunity to work for such an important media outlet, with very special people,” wrote Alê Oliveira, commentator at Rádio Itatiaia.
Broadcasting Industry Restructuring
Brasil 247 reported that Massa FM in São Paulo also cut ten employees due to lost betting revenue and audience results in the Grande São Paulo, where it currently holds the 19th position among the most-listened-to stations.
The federal regulatory push aims to curb the social and financial impacts associated with online gambling expansion.
Confirming layoffs at Itatiaia
Who are the most notable figures affected by the Itatiaia layoffs?
The station dismissed commentator Alê Oliveira and narrator Pequetito Reis. Both professionals confirmed their departures through posts on social media this Tuesday.
What caused the financial restructuring at the radio station?
The cuts followed the implementation of Provisional Measure 1,394/2026, which banned sports betting operations and advertising across Brazil. This regulatory change ended Itatiaia’s sponsorship contracts with at least four betting companies.
Did Rádio Itatiaia release a formal statement explaining the exact number of job losses?
As Caratinga Daily reported, the station had not released an official statement detailing the reasons for the departures by the time of publication, though affected staff members confirmed management communicated the cuts during meetings. No information is available yet regarding who will assume the roles vacated by the dismissed professionals.
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