Venezuela aims to eliminate violence from TV

The Venezuelan government urged television channel owners and cable operators Monday to reform their programs and help improve content. Vice President Jorge Arreaza said at a meeting that mass media should assume responsibility for educating the people and spearhead efforts to eliminate violence from TV. Media representatives agreed at the meeting to present their proposals to authorities by Jan. 27 on adjusting their content, which must also be in accordance with the law on social responsibility in radio and TV. Arreaza said the move was aimed at building "a society of values and peace." Several cabinet ministers participated in the hours-long meeting, as well as artists, designers, film-makers, and members of the Movement for Peace and Life, a government initiative aimed at eradicating violence through sports, culture and arts. Last week, President Nicolas Maduro called on media owners and cable operators in the country to help reduce crimes after former Miss Venezuela Monica Spear and her ex-husband were shot to death by robbers.