Venevisión

Venevisión is Venezuela's largest TV broadcaster, owned and presided over by Gustavo Cisneros. Over the years Venevisión has produced shows like Sábado Sensacional, Maite, Cara Sucia, and the comedy show Bienvenidos.

The company's roots date back from 1953, when Televisión Independiente, S.A. (also known as Televisa, unconnected with the Mexican broadcaster Televisa which did not exist until 1973) was established. When Televisa went bankrupt, Diego Cisneros purchased the remaining assets of the company. In July 1960, Venevisión was formed.

Similar to Televisa in Mexico, Venevisión controls a large proportion of all show business activity in the country. Venevisión's top rival is RCTV .

Fearing nationalization and censorship, Venevisión has been a vocal opponent of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez. Notably, during the attempted coup of 2002 against Chávez, Venevisión stations aired cartoons rather than show footage of protestors gathering in support of Chávez. After Chávez's recent consolidations of power, however, Venevisión's criticisms have been more muted.