Government to broaden opposition media clampdown

www.vheadline.com Posted: Wednesday, February 05, 2003 - 2:45:48 AM By: Robert Rudnicki

According to Infrastructure (Minfra) minister Diosdado Cabello, the government will broaden its clampdown on TV and radio stations some time this week, as it launches fresh legal actions like those already taken against Globovision, RCTV, Televen and a local TV station in Tachira State.

"We are working on a large number of cases and they could be commenced later this week, eventually against TV and radio stations."

Although the Minister didn't name which stations figured high on his list, he did say that particular attention would be given to regional TV and radio stations, " but they will be notified accordingly."

• Among the measures that could be taken are fines and other economic sanctions, suspension of broadcasting licenses or the complete revocation of concessions.

Venezuela's privately-owned media has angered the government by broadcasting only opposition advertisements, showing violent scenes during times when children are likely to be watching.