Venezuela's government has taken control of a private television station after a midnight deadline for the station to stop broadcasting. In Caracas, VOA's Brian Wagner reports that officials are using the station's frequency to broadcast a new public interest channel.

Venezuelan officials ordered Radio Caracas Television to relinquish control over its broadcasting facilities throughout the country at midnight, ending the private station's 53-year history on the air. Executives for RCTV had said they were cooperating with authorities to transfer control to officials in charge of transmitting programs for the newly created Venezuelan Social Television station.

The new station will air content from independent producers and community groups, which officials say will better represent the nation's people.

Supporters of television station Radio Caracas Television, RCTV, protest in Caracas, 26 May 2007

At one pro-government event, Caracas Mayor Juan Barreto defended the decision against RCTV and warned protesters against committing violence.

Barreto said Venezuela has full freedom and respect for human rights. But he says authorities cannot allow the nation's institutions to be harmed, because of a sovereign decision by President Chavez.

Police and national guard troops were deployed across the city to guard against disruptions.

Hours before the midnight deadline, RCTV managing director Marcel Granier praised the work of some 3,000 employees at the nation's largest and most popular network. Granier also accused the government of seizing the company's broadcasting equipment without plans for restitution.

Granier says the takeover changes the concept of private property and sets a very serious precedent, which he says helps explain why investment levels are so low in the country.

Hugo Chavez

International human rights groups and press freedom organizations have condemned the decision against RCTV as a blow to free speech and democracy in Venezuela.