January 2nd
Ignacio Álvarez, the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the Organization of American States (OAS), showed concern about President Hugo Chávez' announcement that the broadcasting license to 53-year TV network RCTV would not be renewed, and urged the Venezuelan Government "to preserve the plurality of the mass media ."

In a press release, Álvarez stressed: "RCTV is a media that started operations over 50 years ago and has kept an editorial stance predominantly critical of the current government."

In the document, Álvarez states that "in May 1987, the Venezuelan Government renewed the broadcasting license (to RCTV) for 20 years. The present government claims that such a license is therefore expiring in May 2007. However, RCTV argues that the broadcasting license was renewed in 2001 and is effective up to 2012."

Álvarez, a Venezuelan national, added that "beyond any legal considerations, the Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Speech believes that, in the event that such government move takes effect, Venezuelans would be deprived from the possibility to have access to a media with an editorial stance opposed to the government."

A number of international organizations such as the Inter-American Press Association (SIP-IAPA), Reporters without Borders and the International Association of Broadcasting (IAB) also have expressed rejection against Chávez' decision last December 29th.

Cardinal Urosa calls for reconsideration
"Venezuela wins if there is both diverse media and full freedom of opinion," Cardinal Jorge Urosa Savino, Caracas Archbishop, replied when asked about Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez' decision not to renew the broadcasting license to TV network RCTV.

Monsignor Urosa Savino said he respected the Venezuelan Government move, but recommended "making efforts to reach an understanding, because the country wins if there is both diverse media and full freedom of opinion."

He added that all citizens are entitled to have access to the information and that information must be "diverse," because listening to one single point of view is not democratic.

"This decision -which has not been enforced yet- need to be reconsidered so that Radio Caracas Televisión, a long-standing and important TV channel, continues to exist."

Irreversible move
Venezuelan Minister of Communication and Information Willian Lara confirmed that President Hugo Chávez' decision not to renew the broadcasting license to television station Radio Caracas Televisión (RCTV) "is an irreversible fact with solid incontestable constitutional, legal and statutory grounds."

In a press release, Lara added that the fact that Cardinal Jorge Urosa Savino expressed respect for Chávez' decision is "a positive signal of serene abidance by the laws and lawfulness of the Executive Branch's move."

Lara's remarks came following Caracas Archbishop Urosa Savino's remarks asking the government to reconsider Chávez' decision.

Lara added that Urosa Savino had no reasons to be concerned about the plurality of the media in Venezuela. "The increased number of radio stations, TV networks, newspapers, magazines, websites and their diverse political trends is the most reliable guarantee that Venezuelans will continue to have plural information on a daily basis, within the framework of the dynamics of freedom of speech and information that is characteristic in Venezuelan democracy."

January 4th
The Itinerant Forum for Popular Participation (FIPP) plans to propose turning the signal of 53-year private TV channel RCTV into a space to create the Venezuelan Regional Television Network in order to boost independent TV production throughout the country.

Hindu Anderi, coordinator of FIPP, said they are to start working sessions to discuss the initiative as of January 27th.

"Our goal is to let the people discuss the diverse proposals made regarding the use of this TV signal."

Anderi added that last December they started collecting signatures nationwide to support President Hugo Chávez' decision not to renew the broadcasting license to RCTV, which expires next May.

She added that they are also to discuss the contents that should be broadcast on the media, particularly the television.

"The time has come to talk about the television we want to watch and insist on television as a public service. This is the time for a comprehensive revision of the programs broadcast on all Venezuelan TV networks, most of which are not making contributions to educate our republicans."

IACHR worried about RCTV
The Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression, Organization of American States (OAS) Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), expressed concern about non-renewal of a broadcasting license for private TV channel RCTV, as stated by Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez.
 
The OAS agency urged the Venezuelan Government to "preserve plurality of the mass media," and offered advice and aid in the area.

"Beyond any legal considerations, the Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression feels that, should the government decision be enforced, Venezuelans will have no possibility to access a broadcaster with an editorial stance different from the Government," the agency said in an official press release.

IACHR favors RCTV
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has ruled in favor of reporters, workers and managers of private TV channel Radio Caracas Television (RCTV).

The action is related to a complaint filed against the Venezuelan state for violation of freedom of expression, personal integrity, judicial rights, due process and judicial protection, under the American Convention on Human Rights.
 
According to a press release from the TV channel, action was taken due to continued personal and moral attacks and threats.

IAHCR found that the charges, including previous attacks by government supporters, could be attributed to the State.

The Inter-American Court, at the request of IACHR, noted that the State should ensure proper working and operation conditions. "The mass media help to materialize freedom of expression. Therefore, operation conditions should fit into the requirements of such freedom."

January 5th
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) demanded Hugo Chávez' Government to provide the workers, employees and managers of Caracas-based 53-year television network Radio Caracas Television (RCTV) with the necessary protection to complete their job to inform and entertain the public.

In a ruling disclosed on January 4th, the body of the Organization of American States (OAS) also set a two-month period for the Venezuelan Government to meet the requirements. Otherwise, the case would be taken to the Inter-American Court, a tribunal with the capacity to sentence the Venezuelan State to pay damages and implement changes to domestic legislations.

The case dates back to 2002, when RCTV filed with the IACHR a complaint against the Venezuelan State for violation of freedom of expression, personal integrity, judicial rights, due process and judicial protection, under the American Convention on Human Rights, for the "diverse and systematic personal and moral aggressions, threats and serious attacks" against RCTV staff.

Back in 2002, the IACHR, and the Inter-American Court, asked Venezuelan authorities to protect the lives of reporters Luisiana Ríos and Laura Castellanos and technicians Armando Amaya, Antonio José Monroy and Argenis Uribe, who came under attack of pro-government groups while making their jobs.

RCTV asked an investigation to be launched and to make the attackers be in the defendants' dock. They also asked the government to reject any attacks against media workers, as they "help realize the exercise of freedom of expression."

RCTV shows satisfaction
President Hugo Chávez recently announced he would not renew RCTV broadcasting license upon expiration next May. In a press release, RCTV said: "We hope the State does meet its international obligations and abides by this transcendental ruling that does justice and seeks to strengthen the democratic principles that have cost so many sacrifices to the Venezuelan people."

Last, the TV network reminded that "human right violation crimes do not have a statute of limitations and any official perpetrating such crimes will be held criminal, civil, patrimonial and administratively responsible, regardless of the fact that they may have been meeting orders from their superiors."

Governor to propose control on radio stations and newspapers in Venezuela
While endorsing President Hugo Chávez' decision not to renew the broadcasting license to 53-year television network Radio Caracas Televisión (RCTV), Francisco Rangel Gómez, the Governor of southern Bolívar state, said he is to propose the Executive Branch to impose comprehensive controls on radio stations and newspapers both in Bolívar state and throughout Venezuela.

"A comprehensive revision of these media -beyond TV channels- is necessary too because some radio stations and newspapers need to be reviewed too."

Some 10 newspapers and five TV channels, together with a number of radio stations, are currently operating in Bolívar state -the region with the highest number of media per capita in Venezuela.

OAS Secretary-General concerned about move against RCTV
Organization of American States (OAS) Secretary-General José Miguel Insulza expressed concern about a decision of the Venezuelan Government not to renew a broadcasting license to private TV channel RCTV.

The action could be regarded as "censorship of freedom of expression," said the senior official in a communiqué.

Following the recent announcement of President Hugo Chávez, the secretary-general urged the Government to review its decision and noted that the availability of multiple media is what allows for different views.

Besides any legal considerations, Insulza thinks that the political impact of the move should be taken into account.

"Closing a mass medium is an uncommon event in the history of our hemisphere; an unprecedented event over the last few decades under democracy," he noted.

Opposition leader asks Government to think it over with regard to RCTV
Ex presidential candidate Manuel Rosales asked to review a government decision not to renew a broadcasting license to RCTV.
 
Rosales feels that this decision endangers the democratic system and "strikes a severe blow to the sectors opposed to the ideas and governance of the head of state."

"This is intended to silence dissenting sectors (…) It could be the beginning of a big strike against the Venezuelan democratic system and bumps into the Venezuelan democracy."

The opposition leader labeled the move as "disrespect" and a violation both of the Venezuelan Constitution and the Pact of San Jose.