Uma Só Globo (2018–2021)
On 24 September 2018, Grupo Globo announced the launch of the "Uma Só Globo" (English: "One Globo") project, which aimed to integrate the operations of its media subsidiaries such as Rede Globo, Globoplay, Globosat, Globo.com, Som Livre, and DGCorp into a single company within three years. This unified entity would operate under the corporate name Globo Comunicações e Participações S.A. and the brand name Globo. Sister companies such as Editora Globo, Infoglobo (which would later merge its operations with Editora Globo), Sistema Globo de Rádio, and Fundação Roberto Marinho were not included in the project and continued operating independently. The restructuring process was carried out with consulting firm Accenture.[7]
Through this initiative, Globo sought to reduce fixed costs in line with its net income, increase operational agility, and better prepare to face competition from emerging global media platforms, which were increasingly concentrated.[8] This restructuring led to controversy, particularly due to mass layoffs across the former companies. In the case of Rede Globo, the dismissal of a significant portion of its long-standing on-screen talent drew public attention. The company transitioned to project-based contracts — a model that had been under consideration for more than 30 years.
The merger also had cultural and managerial implications. According to a survey by the website NaTelinha, while the former Globosat was seen as youthful, innovative, and modern, Rede Globo had a more bureaucratic image. This perception had been evident since 2013, when the broadcast network consulted viewers and found that younger audiences viewed it as "a wealthy, elegant, and austere lady, lacking novelty and with a rigid programming structure."[9] This prompted the company to implement gradual changes in its communication style and visual identity.
On 4 January 2021, Globo officially unveiled its new brand, marking the unification of its broadcast television, pay TV, streaming, and digital platforms. The visual identity was developed by a multidisciplinary team and was shaped by public feedback.
One of the main points of the restructuring is that it would become a mediatech company, envisioning a future more focused on digital and technological spheres. CEO of Grupo Globo Jorge Nóbrega argued: "Our linear channels speak to more than 100 million people every day in Brazil, which demonstrates the enormous relevance of television as a contemporary reality, but the concept of what television is is expanding rapidly."[10]
On 7 April 2021, a 7-year agreement with Google Cloud was announced. The partnership includes the migration of 100% of the data from its own data centers to the cloud owned by Google, as well as its content, products and services of the new company; and opens up possibilities for the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning, including in the development of solutions and in Globo's innovation process.[11]
One of the main points of the restructuring is that it would become a mediatech company, envisioning a future more focused on digital and technological spheres. CEO of Grupo Globo Jorge Nóbrega argued: "Our linear channels speak to more than 100 million people every day in Brazil, which demonstrates the enormous relevance of television as a contemporary reality, but the concept of what television is is expanding rapidly."[10]
On 7 April 2021, a 7-year agreement with Google Cloud was announced. The partnership includes the migration of 100% of the data from its own data centers to the cloud owned by Google, as well as its content, products and services of the new company; and opens up possibilities for the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning, including in the development of solutions and in Globo's innovation process.[11]
Sale of Som Livre
As part of the new company's restructuring, on 18 November 2020, CEO of Grupo Globo Jorge Nóbrega announced that he intended to sell the record label Som Livre. On the same day, the brand was placed in a valuation process, to make it available to the market.[12] Global distributor Believe was one of those interested in the acquisition, however, on 1 April 2021, it was announced that the record label was acquired by Sony Music, in a deal of transaction worth an estimated US$255 million.[13] At the time of the deal, Nobrega said that "We wanted to make sure that this deal would preserve everything that Som Livre represents for the Brazilian people."[14] The acquisition was approved by Brazilian competition regulator Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) on 23 February 2022,[15] and was completed on 4 March 2022.[16]
Acquisition of Eletromidia
In 2023, Globo announces its decision to enter out-of-home (outdoor) advertising industry with the acquisition of Eletromidia, beginning with the acquisition of 8.57% stake of the company from Alexandre Guerrero Martins.[17] In November 2024, Globo becoming a controlling shareholder of Eletromidia with the acquisition of 47.09% stake of the company.[18]
