World

Venezuela could punish channel for vote coverage

by rahul | November 27, 2008 at 09:42 pm

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Local opposition TV network Globovision could face legal punishment for infringing electoral laws during recent local elections. Chavez´s administration claims that Globovision violated broadcast laws when it aired early results. Before official results were issued, Globovision reported that opposition candidate for Carabobo State, Henrique Salas Feo, won the local elections and urged his followers to claim victory. However, Globovision denied wrongdoing. On the contrary, it has urged that President Chavez violated the electoral law by promoting his party -PSUV- candidates during official TV transmissions. The debate goes on as the Radio and TV supervisory body, CONATEL, stated otherwise. It has claimed Globovision not only violated the electoral law but also promoted public disorder.

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) - A Venezuelan TV news channel could face penalties for broadcasting a candidate's victorious remarks on election night before he was declared the winner. Venezuela's telecommunication commission says Globovision violated broadcast laws when it showed Carabobo state gubernatorial candidate Henrique Salas Feo urging supporters in a victorious tone to go «claim your triumph» at the electoral office. Minutes later, officials confirmed he had won Sunday's election. President Hugo Chavez has accused the opposition-sided channel of broadcasting early results and says it should be punished. Globovision denied wrongdoing Thursday. It was informed by regulators that it could face a fine, temporary closure or even have license yanked.