, channel 4, is one of
Venezuela 's largest TV broadcaster, which is owned and presided over by
Gustavo Cisneros . Over the years Venevisión has produced shows like ''(Super) Sábado Sensacional'', ''De Fiesta con Venevisión'', ''Como tú, ninguna'', ''Ka Ina'', ''Maite'', ''
Cara Sucia '', ''Sol de Tentacion'', ''Las González'', ''Cosita Rica'', and the comedy shows ''Bienvenidos'' and ''Que Locura'' to name a few. In the US, many of Venevisión's popular programs are seen on the
Univision network.
The company's roots date back to 4 May 1953, with the establishment of Televisión Independiente, S.A. (also known as Televisa, unconnected with the Mexican broadcaster
Televisa which did not exist under that name until
1973 ). When Televisa went bankrupt, Diego Cisneros purchased the remaining assets of the company. On 27 February 1961, Venevisión was inaugurated.
Similar to
Televisa in
Mexico , ''Venevisión'' controls a large proportion of all show business activity in the country. Venevisión's top rival is
Radio Caracas Televisión (RCTV).
Fearing nationalization and censorship, Venevisión has been a vocal opponent of
President Hugo Chávez . Notably, during the failed
Coup Of 2002 against Chávez, Venevisión stations aired cartoons rather than show footage of protestors gathering in support of Chávez. After Chávez's return to power, however, Venevisión's criticisms have been more muted.
