Uncertain future looms at Venezuelan network

It was an unusual moment in television news broadcasting: a worried journalist grilling his fugitive boss about whether Globovision's 400 staffers would still be paid after the latest crackdown in Venezuela.

Authorities in the OPEC nation have turned up the heat on Globovision, the last major broadcaster to stick to its editorial stance opposing socialist President Hugo Chávez ahead of legislative elections in September. Critics say Chávez is taking the Latin American country down an increasingly authoritarian route, stifling dissent and nationalizing much of the economy. Supporters say he is the victim of propaganda and a U.S.-led campaign of vilification. Globovision boss Guillermo Zuloaga is a fugitive after an arrest warrant charging him with usury was issued June 18. Then on Monday, the government took control of a bank that is owned by another Globovision director and handles its payroll, citing liquidity problems and risk of fraud, and leaving the station's employees in fear for their livelihoods.