The Venezuelan government has decided not to renew the broadcast license of an opposition television station, Radio Caracas Television.  If this had been the only order of the day, it would not be news outside of Venezuela’s gossip columns, but President Hugo Chavez came out firing againstt the television station and accused the station of “backing plots to topple him.”

“The television concession runs out on him in March,” Chavez said. “So he had best start packing his bags and seeing what he’s going to do after March. There will be no new concession for that coup-plotting television channel named Radio Caracas Television.”

“No media outlet will be tolerated here that is at the service of coup-ism, against the people, against the nation, against national independence, against the dignity of the republic,” said Chavez, wearing a red beret and fatigues in his year-end speech to troops.

“I’m announcing it before the date arrives so that they don’t keep on with their little story that ‘no, that it’s for 20 more years,”‘ Chavez said.

The Associated press notes:

During a 2002 coup that briefly ousted Chavez, some TV channels broadcast cartoons and movies instead of the leader’s return to power amid a popular uprising. Many media outlets, including RCTV, also supported a devastating 2003 strike that failed to unseat Chavez.

Three cheers for “coup-ism” within Venezuela.