The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has protested at the latest actions against broadcast media by the government of President Hugo Chávez, in Venezuela, which it warns will further reduce pluralism in the country.

Conatel, the broadcasting authority, this week ordered companies providing cable and satellite services to remove the subscriptions of six television channels, including Radio Caracas Televisión Internacional (RCTVI). This long-running network, which has been broadcasting for more than half a century, was forced in May 2007 to move from open broadcasting to cable distribution because of its critical coverage of the President and his government.

Now Conatel says that the six channels do not comply with legal regulations that force "national" channels to broadcast the national anthem, to produce a minimum of 70 per cent of their programmes in Venezuela and, like other media, to broadcast the speeches of President Chávez. 

"The IFJ backs the local protests over this vindictive action," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "This is another nail in the coffin of free expression and independent journalism as the government of Venezuela continues its strategic assault on media pluralism and opposition voices in media".

White visited Caracas in December and discussed the ongoing media crisis with journalists, union leaders, editors and newspapers and radio owners when he was told new pressure on media was expected in advance of upcoming elections to the National Assembly.  

A statement supported by the IFJ affiliate the Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores de la Prensa and 12 other civil organizations highlighted this problem. "These measures are taken as the process of elections approaches and when the Chávez government is going through a difficult situation caused by the collapse of water supply and electricity services, revelations about corruption among bankers close to government, growing insecurity and at a time when inflation is the highest in the continent and the authorities are forced to devaluate the national currency".  

In the same communiqué, the SNTP and the other civil groups say that "the society is fed up of military imposition of regulations in a matter which is essential to the survival of democracy".

"The fact that media are targeted with no possibility of appeal or any opportunity to defend themselves shows the measure of desperation on the part of a government in trouble," said White. "It is another blow to pluralism and  media freedom in Venezuela".

Two young people died in different events related to the protests and demonstrations around RCTVI and the other removed channels.

For more information contact the IFJ at       + 58 212 7931996 or    +32 4 73 86 36 60          

The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 125 countries worldwide