Tens of thousands of Venezuelans have rallied in the streets of their capital, Caracas, to protest against President Hugo Chavez's plans to close a private TV station.
The head of the RCTV station, which is allied to the opposition, addressed the marchers, urging them to defend freedom and 'free independent media'.
President Chavez has said he will not renew a licence for the RCTV network which is due to expire on 27 May.
He accuses the TV station of supporting a failed coup against him in 2002.
