In the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the government has told 86 AM radio stations and 154 FM stations to cease broadcasting for failing to file required documents about ownership.
The South America stations were told to submit documents with details of assets and ownership by June 23rd under a new law regulating broadcasters.
Diosdado Cabello, who heads the telecommunications agency, said the radio stations should "shut down their equipment right away because we're going to open administrative proceedings, and that involves seizure of equipment".
He said stations using their frequency without government authorisation could face sanctions.
Cabello, said to be a close ally of President Hugo Chavez, said the radio stations that stand to lose their licenses "are not interested in updating their information" and are not complying with the law.
It remained unclear today what recourse the stations might have.
