Media rights group critiques Chavez in RCTV case

In a report issued yesterday, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) criticized Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez’ decision last to revoke the broadcasting license for Radio Caracas Television (RCTV). The CPJ report stated that the move against RCTV:

“Reflects an arbitrary and opaque decision-making process that sets an alarming precedent and casts doubt on Venezuela's commitment to freedom of expression. The threat of losing access to the airwaves hangs over dozens of other television and radio stations whose concessions have also come up for renewal, prompting some news outlets to pull back on critical programming… The Chavez administration appears to be replacing what it considers to be corporate domination of the airwaves with state domination”.

Chavez deemed RCTV as “coup-mongering” and has vowed not to give in to accusations like those made by CPJ:

“Anybody who goes around thinking they can pressure me through international organizations, other governments or a diabolical court or marches, they are not going to pressure me on May 27 the day the concession is going to end.”

Links- Committee to Protect Journalists, Newsday, Caribbean Net News, Guardian UK

Image- Proceso Digital