The decision made by the Government of President Hugo Chávez not to renew a broadcasting license for private TV channel Radio Caracas Televisión (RCTV) is a worrying development for pluralism in the media and trade union rights in Venezuela, said Wednesday the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

"For there to be true media freedom in Venezuela, there must be a plurality of voices, both on the airwaves and in the newsrooms," said IFJ Secretary-General Aidan White.

He warned that shutting down the TV station "without due process and threatening to curb free trades unionism could lead to more attacks on fundamental rights."

"There has been no warning or consultation with the labor force, which suggests that RCTV shutdown, with not independent scrutiny of its actions, will be a disaster for freedom of the press and for thousand of journalists of this media outlet and their dependants," the official noted.