Channel critical of Chavez pulled from air

CARACAS, Venezuela, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- Radio Caracas Television says it was dropped by Venezuelan cable providers because it dared to criticize President Hugo Chavez.

RCTV was pulled from the air illegally just after midnight Saturday, the channel's executives said in a release.

The 53-year-old channel lost its broadcast license in 2007 and became a cable-only channel after years of openly criticizing the government, CNN reported Sunday.

RCTV was the only channel that did not air Chavez' entire speech during pro-government marches Saturday.

The national agency that regulates electronic media in Venezuela said RCTV did not broadcast the national anthem and did not warn viewers before airing programs that featured violence, as required.

Four other channels were removed from the air, including Ritmo Son, America TV, Momentum and American Network TV Chile, CNN reported.