Talk: Quem
Decide o Que Ouvimos?

Part of Mantras do Coliseu, this conversation brings together Carlos Tê, João Gobern, Miguel Gonçalves and Rui Massena, moderated by Ana Isabel Reis, journalist and RTP listener ombudsman. It explores how artists access radio and who shapes the playlists heard in Portugal. The discussion covers the power of playlists to launch careers and create artists who become phenomena, why listeners may hear the same songs while other artists struggle to reach them, and the influence of artistic, editorial and commercial criteria. It also asks whether stronger protection measures are needed for music made in Portugal. The conversation is preceded by the launch of Miguel Gonçalves's book “Quem Decide o que Ouvimos? — Os bastidores das playlists da rádio portuguesa”, an investigation drawing on more than 5,000 broadcasts, surveys of 250 Portuguese musicians and 40 interviews with programme directors, presenters, agents and artists. Entry is free, subject to ticket collection.