TV Show Taken Off Air In Venezuela

President Chavez said the show was "horrible"

In Venezuela, a private television station has stopped broadcasting a Colombian-produced soap opera after government authorities demanded its removal, alleging it was insulting to Venezuela as a country.

The show, called "Chepe Fortuna," includes as a character an unscrupulous secretary called Venezuela, who has a dog named "Little Hugo" -- an apparent reference, some have alleged, to Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez.

Chavez denounced the show on January 15, saying it was "horrible" and disrespectful to Venezuela.

The private TV channel Televen has stopped broadcasting the show after government regulators accused it of promoting "political intolerance" and demanded it be pulled from the airwaves.

The station has offered no public comment on its decision.

compiled from agency reports