MUMBAI: BBC Brasil celebrates its 70th anniversary by hosting four special debates in the cities of Brasília and São Paulo, starting 12 March 2008.

BBC Brasil head Rogério Simões says, "BBC Brasil is 70, and I am very proud of how far we have come since 1938. Our aim has always been to help our audience understand the relevant issues behind the news and their consequences.

"In turn, our audiences keep telling us that they see us as fresh, innovative and reliable broadcasters, connected to the world and with these debates we aim to prove these credentials once again. Our online operations go from strength to strength, and in January 2008, we received 4.2 million visitors to bbcbrasil.com and from content on our Brazilian partner websites.

"We are also reaching new audiences with video on Bandeirantes TV and our radio output has a loyal listenership. We invite all our radio, online and TV audiences to engage with the debates."

The BBC Brasil debates will discuss "The Giant Neighbour: Brazil and South America," "Journalism in the 21st Century: Objectivity and Subjectivity," "Freedom of Speech: Limits of Journalism in the 21st Century" and "The New Journalism: Convergence and Interactivity."