 According to Article 58, "Everyone has the right to timely, truthful and impartial information, without censorship..."

Human Rights Watch said that during "the leadership of President Chávez and now Mr. Maduro, the accumulation of power in the executive branch and the erosion of human rights guarantees have enabled the government to intimidate, censor, and prosecute its critics" and reported that broadcasters may be censored if they criticize the government.Reporters Without Borders said that the media in Venezuela is "almost entirely dominated by the government and its obligatory announcements, called "cadenas"".In 1998, independent television represented 88% of the 24 national television channels while the other 12% of channels were controlled by the Venezuelan government.