The decision made by the Government of President Hugo Chávez not to renew a broadcasting license for private TV channel Radio Caracas Televisión (RCTV) is due to a "predefined and political reason," claimed Tuesday the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

"A three-month investigation made by CPJ found that the government decision was made in advance and for political reasons," the agency explained in a press release.

The move intended to close the TV station will set an "alarming" precedent and cast doubts on the current status of freedom of expression in Venezuela, CPJ added.

In addition, CPJ noted that the TV channel case is concomitant to the aggressive steps taken by the Chávez government to expand the state media.

"Unless some contingency arises at the very last minute, the RCTV license will be the first one of upcoming licenses that will be not renewed," the communiqué stated.

The authorities announced that the RCTV broadcasting license will expire on May 27th. From then on, the signal will be used as a public service channel.