CARACAS, (Reuters) – It was an unusual moment in television news broadcasting: a worried journalist grilling his fugitive boss about whether Globovision’s 400 staff would still be paid after the latest crackdown in Venezuela.
Authorities in the OPEC nation have turned up the heat on Globovision, the last major broadcaster to stick to its editorial stance opposing socialist President Hugo Chavez ahead of legislative elections in September. [ID:nN15273708]
Critics say Chavez is taking the Latin American country down an increasingly authoritarian route, stifling dissent and nationalizing much of the economy. Supporters say he is the victim of propaganda and a U.S.-led campaign of vilification.
Globovision boss Guillermo Zuloaga is a fugitive after an arrest warrant charging him with usury was issued on Friday.
Then on Monday, the government took control of a bank that is owned by another Globovision director and handles its payroll, citing liquidity problems and risk of fraud, and leaving the station’s employees in fear for their livelihoods.
Staff have thrown themselves into their work, and while the brief diversion of World Cup matches has provided respite for some, the mood in the newsroom is grim.
“I am very affected, personally very worried. This is my only income, and my husband also works here,” said 35-year-old economic journalist Adriana Salazar.
Globovision co-founder Nelson Mezerhane, who ran Banco Federal until the government takeover, is overseas.
When he called the broadcaster to denounce the authorities’ move against his bank, veteran presenter Leopoldo Castillo took the opportunity to ask if he and his colleagues would receive their next paychecks. Mezerhane assured them they would, at least for the next 12 months.
Globovision officials said Venezuelan political exiles were helping with financial contributions to support its staff.
Known for its partisan coverage, Globovision has provided an important platform for political opponents of Chavez, who has substantially increased the number of pro-government newspapers and broadcasters since he took power 11 years ago.
His supporters say he is only countering private media companies, many of which have been openly hostile to him.
Zuloaga said in a phone call to the station from an undisclosed location on Monday he was the victim of a political witch hunt by Chavez, who wanted to silence his critics, and that he had no plans to turn himself in.
