Chavez vs. the private media

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has been getting a lot of flak in the North American press for refusing to renew the license of a major private broadcaster, but there’s much more to the story than meets the eye.

For starters, check out Bart Jones’ excellent commentary in yesterday’s Los Angeles Times. Jones argues that

“the case of RCTV — like most things involving Chavez — has been caught up in a web of misinformation. While one side of the story is getting headlines around the world, the other is barely heard.”

Then, as soon as you can spare 75 minutes, watch Kim Bartley & Donnacha O Briain’s excellent documentary on the failed 2002 coup and the central role played by the private media in seeking to overthrow Venezuela’s democratically elected government.

Watch the film here.

Learn more about the film here.