Revoke the broadcasting licences
President Hugo Chavez has threatened to revoke the broadcasting licences of Venezuela's main television and radio stations, accusing them of supporting opposition efforts to overthrow him through a six-week-old strike. The threat came as Venezuelan troops fired teargas to drive back tens of thousands of anti-government protesters.
Yesterday Mr Chavez said the stations were abusing their power by constantly broadcasting opposition advertisements promoting the strike.
The strike has dried up oil revenue in the world's fifth biggest oil exporting country but hasn't rattled the President's resolve to stay in power.
Venezuela's main TV stations have not broadcast any advertisements during the strike except the opposition ads.
Media owners have said they adopted that stance because Mr Chavez incited his supporters to attack reporters.
The oil producers' organisation OPEC has agreed to increase production to try to stabilise the price of oil.