The end of open-signal broadcasting of private TV channel Radio Caracas Televisión (RCTV) cannot be construed as "any attack on freedom of expression" because it was just the expiration of a concession awarded 20 years ago, said Wednesday Aram Aharonian, the head of Latin American TV network Telesur.

His remarks were made during a press conference at Menéndez Pelayo International University in Santander, northern Spain, where he is taking part in a seminar entitled "Communication and Development."

"Freedom of enterprise cannot be mixed up with freedom of expression," said the Telesur manager, and remembered that RCTV continues "cable broadcasting," Efe reported.

He explained that the Venezuelan State is entitled to grant the concessions to exploit the frequencies, which can be removed also in the event of default.