G20 Radio Bulletin 61 - Find out how the press covered the G20 Brasil in RJ and SP

Around 800 professionals from 28 countries took part in the coverage of the G20 ministerial meetings in Rio and São Paulo, taking the topics that were discussed there to the four corners of the Planet. Listen and find out more!

Reporter: Whether in the stunning setting of Rio de Janeiro, or in the São Paulo Biennial building, around 800 professionals from press vehicles from 28 countries met in February to cover the first G20 ministerial meetings under the Brazilian presidency.

The topics covered by the journalists ranged from ongoing international tensions to the priorities presented by the Brazilian presidency of the G20—including the fight against hunger and poverty and the reform of global governance institutions.

Journalist Hani Reda Aldrsani, from Asharq News, Saudi Arabia, says that he is in Brazil to cover his first G20 ministerial meeting.

Hani Reda Aldrsani: Brazil is one of the countries that knows how to organize this type of international event. It's not the first time; we've already participated in several events. In particular, I have traveled to several countries. About the work that Brazil is doing in the G20: from the beginning, it has shown to the whole world that Brazil is interested in showing the size of Brazil that has returned for the world map.

Reporter: Ione Wells, BBC News correspondent from London, England, highlighted the diversity of topics covered by international media outlets. She shared her impressions about the reception she received in Rio de Janeiro.

Ione Wells: The trip here was very easy and peaceful. So yes, I think the process was very simple and it's good to be in Rio. I think for some leaders here it will be the first time they are in Rio to get to know the city and the country.

Reporter: Joan Royo Gual, Spanish correspondent who works for Sputnik, Russia's international news agency, took advantage of the meeting to exchange ideas and experiences with colleagues. He highlighted that Brazil's agenda at the G20—such as the fight against hunger and poverty—arouses global interest.

Joan Royo Gual: To us, it's very interesting to be able to work at such a big event, because it's always good to meet people and sources, to see the leaders up close and to see if they'll want to speak. People have many memories of this fight against hunger. Basically, this is the banner of the fight against inequality. At the G20, the world has great expectations that this will be a very central issue.

Reporter: Nádia Pontes, Brazilian correspondent for Deutsche Welle in Germany, highlights the importance of Brazil's willingness to mediating conflicts and bringing issues such as combating hunger and cooperation in the Global South to the debate.

Nádia Pontes: It is interesting to follow how Brazil tries to position itself in this role as a protagonist—but also bringing an agenda of combating hunger and poverty to this group. So it is clear that there is great interest, I think from the global press, in following developments and being present.

Reporter: Telesur, a television channel that broadcasts to countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, was at the G20. According to reporter André Vieira, in the context of the G20, Brazil is gaining prominence and positioning itself as a global protagonist.

André Vieira: I think it is an important moment for us journalists too, to be in contact with these different media outlets. So, to us, it is also important to be here and find out more about these perspectives. To people like us, whatever we can cover, we will cover, seeing how important these discussions are in these forums, believing that the conduct of Brazil itself can also give them a different face, and present other debates.

Reporter: World leaders have left Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, but the national and international press is still here, ready to continue following the developments of the G20 and analyzing its impact on the world stage.