The Brazilian Association of Radio and Television Stations (Abert), which comprises more than 3,000 radio and TV stations in the country, condemned the decision the Venezuelan Government announced not to renew the broadcasting license for 53-year-old private television network RCTV which expires next May 27.

Abert, a member of the International Association of Broadcasting (AIR-IAB), believes freedom of expression and respect for the democratic rule of law are the fundamentals of democratic nations.

"The decision of President Chávez on RCTV hits an objective right provided for under the Venezuelan legislation, as the television station is meeting both legal and technical requirements for continued operations. President Hugo Chávez' stance is an attack on freedom of expression and does not respect the constitutional principles concerning diversity and plurality."