A number of Mexican intellectual, personalities and non-governmental organizations Thursday criticized a local media campaign rejecting Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez' move not to renew a broadcast license for Caracas-based television station RCTV.

The campaign launched by the Mexican Chamber of Radio and Television (CIRT) is "an open and outrageous interference in Venezuelan domestic affairs," different groups said in a message published in Mexican newspapers.

According to Efe, the communiqué was subscribed by 24 organizations and over 100 personalities, including Chiapas Catholic Emeritus Bishop Samuel Ruiz, former Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Gustavo Iruegas and activist Raúl Álvarez Garín.

CIRT is publishing advertising spots where Mexican broadcasters show their "absolute rejection" against a decision that "undermines freedom of thought and expression of ideas."

However, the groups and personalities endorsing the communiqué published on Thursday claimed that Chávez' decision not to renew RCTV license was "a legal, legitimate and unexceptional action."