18/02/2010

The Times refuses to publish clarification on Venezuelan media  

Venezuelan Ambassador Samuel Moncada has expressed disappointment about the refusal of  The Times to publish a reply in response to inaccurate claims in an article entitled Hugo Chavez takes to the airwaves - 24/7 (by Hannah Strange - 9 February 2010).

The article stated that: "the Government closed down the anti-Chávez channel RCTV after it refused to cut to a presidential speech".

The response by the Ambassador explained that RCTV had not abided by the Venezuelan law and should they comply with the law, like other stations, it will be aired again.

“These pieces of legislation, quoted above, [the Law on Social Responsibility in Radio and Television and the Law on the Right of Women to a Life Free of Violence] mandate television channels to adhere to certain norms, such the requirement to classify their programming, issue warnings on classified elements to be broadcasted and avoid violence and inappropriate explicit sexual content, particularly when children are watching” reads one segment of the letter.

Regarding this topic, Ambassador Moncada said: “Even if you disagree, it is in the interest of the media and the people to have clear information about Venezuela".

Press Unit of the Venezuelan Embassy in London

18 February 2010