And the Venezuelan TV soap opera continues...

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A week after President Hugo Chavez refused to renew its license, RCTV had found a new way to irritate the Venezuelan head of state. It has posted public-service announcements and continues offering programming, including ‘The Observer,’ through YouTube.

As of this posting, RCTV has not laid off any of its 3,000 employees, and continues producing soap operas, which RCTV markets all over the world.

But RCTV sources say the Chavez government is pressuring cable providers not to take RCTV programming.

Meanwhile, Spain and U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Monday joined the chorus of criticism for Chavez’ decision to replace the station with his own, Tves, some of which also is available on YouTube.

At the Organization of American States meeting in Panama, Rice said Chavez’ action was undemocratic and urged the OAS secretary general to visit Venezuela and prepare a report for the organization. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro responded by comparing the treatment of detainees held at the Guantanamo Bay prison to the practices of Nazi Germany. He then offered detainees free access to TVes.

Posted by Chris Kraul in Bogota.