Private television channel RCTV Monday resumed broadcasts, but this time on cable television, following over 40 days off the air after President Hugo Chávez' refusal to renew its broadcast license on the allegation that the TV station backed a failed coup in 2002.

The oldest private television channel in Venezuela went back on the air at 6:00 am (local time) following discontinuance last May 27.

After RCTV suspended transmissions, university students and opposition groups staged a number of street demonstrations in the streets for two weeks. Simultaneously, foreign legislatures, media associations, and human rights advocates launched harsh criticisms against Chávez government, claiming it undermined freedom of expression in Venezuela, AP reported.

SEE THE SPECIAL FEATURE ON THE RCTV CASE