A Venezuela-based television station begins limited broadcasts Sunday as a counter to what its creators say is biased media coverage by European and U.S.-run channels.
Telesur is a joint venture funded by Venezuela, Argentina, Cuba and Uruguay. Organizers say they aim to develop a hemispheric television network to provide programs from a Latin American perspective.
The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday passed an amendment authorizing radio and television broadcasts to Venezuela. The amendment was to a bill authorizing State Department programs.
The amendment's author, Florida Republican Connie Mack, said the U.S. broadcasts would offer what he called a consistently accurate, objective and comprehensive source of news to Venezuela. The measure still requires Senate approval.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez says his government will "jam the signal" of any broadcasts from the United States.
Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters.