By Brian Ellsworth and Christian Oliver
CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuelan troops have seized an anti-government television channel's broadcast equipment, the station said on Sunday, ahead of a controversial midnight EDT/0400 GMT takeover by President Hugo Chavez that will take the broadcaster off the air.
Chavez sparked international criticism with his decision to not renew RCTV's license and to replace Venezuela's most-watched channel with a state-backed network that will promote the values of his self-styled socialist revolution.
RCTV representatives said troops had taken over relay stations across the country amid a show of military force meant to deter possible violence by opposition demonstrators.
(Source: Reuters /additional story at:
www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSN2723008820070527?feedType=RSS&rpc=22