Venezuelan Media Law Criticized

A proposed media law in Venezuala called the Law for Responsibility in Radio and Television is being severely criticized by the Organization of American States as being a "gag law" that could restrict freedom of expression. This law would ban "rude" or "vulgar" language, images and sounds related to alcohol, drugs, and sex, and "psychological" or physical violence on t.v. and radio between 7am and 7pm. The proposed bill would levy huge fines or even jail time to television and radio stations if they violate the law. Additionally, the bill proposes jail time for anyone who broadcasts "false" or "imprecise" information without correcting errors. Some critics say that this law is a way for Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez to silence criticism of the government. Full Story