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Brazilian culture and attractions that show different views of Brazil are an integral part of the channel’s lineup

Diversity has definitely reached US TV. The first Portuguese-language broadcast TV channel has gone on the air in Florida. It was founded by executive producer Thor Medeiros, a managing partner at Cristal Líquido, which provides content for Disney, Discovery and Endemol Brasil and Argentina.

Headquartered in Orlando, BR TV reaches 30% of Florida, which has the largest Brazilian community in the U.S.–300,000 Brazilians. “BR TV was born to show Brazilian beauty and culture to Americans, who make up 70% of the channel’s audience and take a little bit of Brazil to Brazilians away from home,” says the channel’s CEO. BR TV offers 24-hour programming, with eight hours of new cooking, education, entertainment, culture, music and travel shows, as well as Brazilian movies and series, highlighting the popular Monica's Gang animated cartoons.

“For the time being, we’ll carry no advertising. We’re going to negotiate with major Brazilian companies operating in the U.S., Best Buy and large shopping malls in the area,” Mr. Medeiros explains. The pay-TV version will be launched via Comcast, Dish Network and Bright House in one year. In the long term, “the green and yellow flag will reach each state of this country to showcase the Brazilian culture,” Mr. Medeiros forecasts. The channel can also be viewed online on its website.