Canal Livre

Canal Livre was a popular crime television programme in Brazil. It was presented by the former police officer and former politician Wallace Souza and was the most popular show in the city of Manaus. Souza's popularity as host of Canal Livre saw him get elected on three occasions to political office. The show remained on air until 2008 and came to worldwide attention in August 2009 when it was revealed that the presenter had been accused of hiring hitmen to carry out the crimes his show was documenting. Souza has been accused of involvement in at least five murders which date from 2007 until February 2009 and which involve the deaths of people who stole cars and dealt drugs. It is thought the murders were commissioned to increase the programme's rating even further and to eliminate all opposition.