Political and Economic Crisis in Venezuela Focus of Thurs., May 18, Newsmaker

Marcel Granier, chief executive officer of Venezuela’s Radio Caracas Television (RCTV), plans to hold a press conference on Thursday, May 18, at 10 a.m., in the National Press Club’s Bloomberg Room.

Venezuela is in the midst of a political and economic crisis. Despite having the world’s largest oil reserves, Venezuela is experiencing hyperinflation and a deep recession. Over the past two months, hundreds of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets demonstrating against the government of President Nicolas Maduro.

Since the years when Hugo Chavez was president, RCTV’s editorial policy has been to support democratic governance and the station has been critical of efforts to consolidate power in the office of the president. In 2007, RCTV was stripped of its ability to broadcast and became primarily a cable station.

Granier trained as a lawyer and has worked for the station since the 1970s. He lives in Venezuela and continues to speak out for democracy and human rights.

This newsmaker event is open to credentialed media and Club members free of charge. No advance registration is required.

Press Contact:

Lindsay Underwood
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(202) 662-7561