Anti-Chavez TV faces possible 72-hour shutdown in Venezuela

A leading television channel aligned with Venezuela's opposition has said it could be shut down amid a new investigation of alleged violations of broadcasting laws.

Globovision TV -- the last major channel on Venezuela's regular airwaves that is strongly critical of President Hugo Chavez -- has been formally notified of the investigation by the telecommunications commission.

Ana Cristina Nunez, Globovision's legal adviser, said the channel could soon be shut down for 72 hours or even lose its broadcasting license. In a statement, the commission yesterday said the 24-hour news channel violated broadcasting rules by airing text messages that "allude to violent acts," including a coup attempt against Chavez.

Globovision also allegedly sought to "promote public protests, which could generate a climate of tension and nervousness in the population," it said. Opponents accuse Chavez of cracking down on dissent by silencing the media, noting the government closed 32 radio stations and two small television stations last month.