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(New page: :''This article does contain some useful information, but it is written from an anti-Chavez, anti-socialist perspective, and should be read with that in mind'' '''Bolivarian propaganda'''...)
 
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:''This article does contain some useful information, but it is written from an anti-Chavez, anti-socialist perspective, and should be read with that in mind''
 
:''This article does contain some useful information, but it is written from an anti-Chavez, anti-socialist perspective, and should be read with that in mind''
  
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'''Bolivarian propaganda'''<ref>{{Propaganda|url=http://www.wordnik.com/words/propaganda|accessdate=12 March 2012}}</ref> is a term used to describe the type of messages and pictures used to influence the behaviors and opinions of the Venezuelan people and promote the Chávista version of a [[21st century socialism|"21st century Bolivarian Revolution"]].<ref>{{cite book|last=MANWARING|first=MAX G.|title=VENEZUELA’S HUGO CHÁVEZ, BOLIVARIAN SOCIALISM, AND ASYMMETRIC WARFARE|year=2005|publisher=The Strategic Studies Institute|location=http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pdffiles/pub628.pdf|pages=8-13|url=http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pdffiles/pub628.pdf}}</ref>   The "Bolivarian propaganda" has been disseminated in great quantities both at home and abroad.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kraft|first=Michael|title=Chavez Propaganda Machine|url=www.charlotteconservative.com/inex.php/2007/07/chavez-propaganda-machine/|accessdate=10 March 2012|newspaper=Charlotte Conservative|date=24 July 2007}}</ref> The image of Chávez can be seen on sides of buildings, on t-shirts, on ambulances, on official PDVSA billboards, and as action figures.<ref>{{cite news|last=Moloney|first=Anastasia|title=Photo Feature: Chavez's Propaganda|url=www.worldpoliticsreview.com/articles|accessdate=10 March 2012|newspaper=World Politics Reveiw|date=29 January 2007}}</ref> The extent of his branding, through propaganda, demonstrates Hugo's priority of remaining relevant to his people.   
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'''Bolivarian propaganda''' describes messages and pictures used to influence the behaviors and opinions of the [[Venezuela]]n people and promote [[Hugo Chávez]]'s version of a 21st century [[Bolivarian Revolution]].<ref name=Manwaring813> Manwaring (2005), pp. 8–13.</ref> The World Politics Review said, "As Chávez pushes on with transforming Venezuela into a socialist state, government [[propaganda]] plays an important role in maintaining and mobilizing government supporters&nbsp;...";<ref name=Moloney/> the image of Chávez is seen on sides of buildings, on t-shirts, on ambulances, on official ''[[Petróleos de Venezuela]]'' (PDVSA) billboards, and as action figures.<ref name=Moloney> {{cite news|last=Moloney|first=Anastasia|title=Photo Feature: Chavez's Propaganda|url= http://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/trend-lines/506/photo-feature-ch-vezs-propaganda|accessdate=10 March 2012|newspaper=World Politics Review|date=29 January 2007}}</ref><ref name=VenezuelaBans>{{cite news |url= http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11818451 |date= November 23, 2010 |title= Venezuela bans unauthorised use of Hugo Chavez's image |author= Grant, Will |publisher= BBC News |accessdate= April 26, 2012}}</ref>  A 2011 ''New York Times'' article says Venezuela has an "expanding state propaganda complex".<ref name= PresidentsEar> {{cite news |url= http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/05/world/americas/05venezuela.html |title= In Venezuela, an American Has the President's Ear |author= Romero, Simon |date= February 4, 2011|work= The New York Times | accessdate= April 26, 2012}}</ref>  The ''Boston Globe'' described Chávez as "a media savvy, forward-thinking propagandist [who] has the oil wealth to influence public opinion".<ref name=Channeling/>  
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{{WP+NODEL|Bolivarian propaganda}}
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== Background ==
  
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The term '''"Bolivarian Revolution"''' denotes a new system of government, which strays from U.S. promoted representative democracy and capitalism.<ref>{{cite book|last=MANWARING|first=MAX G.|title=VENEZUELA’S HUGO CHÁVEZ, BOLIVARIAN SOCIALISM, AND ASYMMETRIC WARFARE|year=2005|publisher=The Strategic Studies Institute|location=http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pdffiles/pub628.pdf|pages=8|url=http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pdffiles/pub628.pdf}}</ref> It is founded on Simon Bolivar’s vision of a unified South America led by a “strong but compassionate caudillo”.<ref>{{cite book|last=McCaughan|first=Michael|title=The Battle of Venezuela|year=2005|publisher=Seven Stories Press|location=New York|isbn=978-1-58322-680-3|pages=89}}</ref>  The "caudillo" is responsible for transforming the military into the armed part of the nationalist revolution and enlist the poor as its support base, the basis for "Bolivarian Revolution".<ref>{{cite book|last=McCaughan|first=Michael|title=The Battle of Venezuela|year=2005|publisher=Seven Stories Press|location=New York|isbn=978-1-58322-680-3|pages=107}}</ref> The premise of the revolution is to replace the current system because of its failure to only serve the elites and exclude the "common people".<ref>{{cite book|last=MANWARING|first=MAX G.|title=VENEZUELA’S HUGO CHÁVEZ, BOLIVARIAN SOCIALISM, AND ASYMMETRIC WARFARE|year=2005|publisher=The Strategic Studies Institute|location=http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pdffiles/pub628.pdf|pages=8|url=http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pdffiles/pub628.pdf}}</ref>  
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The term ''Bolivarian Revolution'' denotes a new system of government, which strays from U.S. promoted representative democracy and capitalism,<ref name=Manwaring8> Manwaring (2005), p. 8.</ref> based on [[Simón Bolívar]]'s vision of a unified South America led by a "strong but compassionate [[caudillo]]".<ref name=McCaughan89> McCaughan (2005), p. 89. </ref>  The ''caudillo'' is responsible for transforming the military into the armed part of the nationalist revolution and enlisting the poor as its support base.<ref name=McCaughan107> McCaughan (2005), p. 107. </ref> As opposed to a representative democracy, a "participatory democracy" (or a populist government supporting a socialist economic system), has become the foundation of the [[Hugo Chávez]] administration.<ref name=Manwaring8/> Under the Bolivarian Revolution, Chávez created Plan Bolívar to implement a strategy to improve welfare conditions for the poor and designed to integrate the Venezuelan troops into the Bolivarian Revolution.<ref name=McCaughan89/>  A propaganda program has been established to accomplish "participatory democracy", to strengthen his political position, and to strengthen his power base.<ref name=Manwaring10> Manwaring (2005), p. 10.</ref>  
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As opposed to a representative democracy, a "participatory democracy" (or a populist government supporting a socialist economic system), has become the foundation of the Hugo Chávez administration.<ref>{{cite book|last=MANWARING|first=MAX G.|title=VENEZUELA’S HUGO CHÁVEZ, BOLIVARIAN SOCIALISM, AND ASYMMETRIC WARFARE|year=2005|publisher=The Strategic Studies Institute|location=http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pdffiles/pub628.pdf|pages=8|url=http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pdffiles/pub628.pdf}}</ref> Under the “Bolivarian Revolution”, Chávez created “Plan Bolivar” to implement a strategy to improve welfare conditions for the poor and designed to integrate the Venezuelan troops into the “Bolivarian Revolution”.<ref>{{cite book|last=McCaughan|first=Michael|title=The Battle of Venezuela|year=2005|publisher=Seven Stories Press|location=New York|isbn=978-1-58322-680-3|pages=89}}</ref>  A propaganda program has been established to accomplish "participatory democracy", to strengthen his political position, and to strengthen his power base.<ref>{{cite book|last=MANWARING|first=MAX G.|title=VENEZUELA’S HUGO CHÁVEZ, BOLIVARIAN SOCIALISM, AND ASYMMETRIC WARFARE|year=2005|publisher=The Strategic Studies Institute|location=http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pdffiles/pub628.pdf|pages=10|url=http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pdffiles/pub628.pdf}}</ref> According to Chávez, "'I do not believe that any individual or watchdog group can determine if information is fair and accurate...it is public opinion which must make up its mind on each case.'"<ref>{{cite book|last=McCaughan|first=Michael|title=The Battle of Venezuela|year=2005|publisher=Seven Stories Press|location=New York|isbn=978-1-58322-680-3|pages=95}}</ref>
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[[Propaganda|'''Propaganda''']] can be defined as the organized attempt, through a variety of communication mediums, to alter the belief or attitudes of a large audience, with the goal of affecting their overall judgement.<ref>{{cite book|last=Paul|first=Christopher|title=Information Operations Doctrine and Practice|year=2008|publisher=Praeger Security International|location=Westport Connecticut|isbn=1932-295X|pages=9}}</ref> The idea of propaganda carries a negative connotation throughout the world. However, in Latin American countries, propaganda simply carries the meaning of advertisement.<ref>{{cite book|last=Paul|first=Christopher|title=Information Operations Doctrine and Practice|year=2008|publisher=Praeger Security International|location=Westport Connecticut|isbn=1932-295X|pages=9}}</ref>
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Brian A. Nelson says in ''The Silence and the Scorpion'' that opposition to Chávez was "born [when] a group of mothers realized that their chidren's new textbooks were really Cuban schoolbooks heavily infused with revolutionary propaganda".<ref name=Nelson5> Nelson (2009), p. 5.</ref> According to Nichols and Morse in the book ''Venezuela (Latin America in Focus)'', the "Bolivarian curriculum" that was instituted to reflect Chávez's goals was against a 1980 law that prohibited political propaganda in schools.<ref> Nichols and Morse (2010), p. 230.</ref>
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== Bolivarian media propaganda==
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Pro-Chávista [[propaganda]] is a method by which [[Hugo Chávez|Hugo Chávez]] promotes his Bolivarian ideals throughout Venezuela and Latin America.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kraft|first=Michael|title=Chavez Propaganda Machine|url=www.charlotteconservative.com/inex.php/2007/07/chavez-propaganda-machine/|accessdate=10 March 2012|newspaper=Charlotte Conservative|date=24 July 2007}}</ref> Since his electoral victory in 1999, many of the media outlets have accused Chávez of using Bolivarian propaganda to successfully intimidate and silence both his opponents and the opposition media, while gaining mass consensus throughout the country.<ref>{{cite book|last=MANWARING|first=MAX G.|title=VENEZUELA’S HUGO CHÁVEZ, BOLIVARIAN SOCIALISM, AND ASYMMETRIC WARFARE|year=2005|publisher=The Strategic Studies Institute|location=http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pdffiles/pub628.pdf|pages=11|url=http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pdffiles/pub628.pdf}}</ref> <ref>{{cite book|last=McCaughan|first=Michael|title=The Battle of Venezuela|year=2005|publisher=Seven Stories Press|location=New York, New York|isbn=978-1-58322-680-3|pages=95}}</ref> Below is a timeline depicting the progression of Chavista media propaganda through his time as president:
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According to Douglas Schoen, in ''The Threat Closer to Home'', Chávez has promoted his populist message <ref name=Schoen154/> via programs and legislation including an alleged loyal [[Chavismo|chavista]] branch of bishops in the Catholic church,<ref name=Schoen154>Schoen (2009), p. 154. </ref> closing [[RCTV]], and altering laws to require citizens to report disloyal citizens.<ref name=Schoen156> Schoen (2009), p. 156. </ref> Gustavo Coronel, writing in ''Human Events'', said that Chávez has a costly and "intense propaganda machine" operating via the Venezuelan Embassy in the United States.<ref name=Coronel>{{cite web |url= http://www.cato.org/publications/commentary/misreading-venezuela |author= Coronel, Gustavo | title= Misreading Venezuela | work = Human Events |publisher= Cato Institute |date= August 15, 2007 |accessdate= April 26, 2012 |quote= The intense propaganda machine installed by Chavez in the U.S. (that costs the Venezuelan Embassy well over a million dollars per year) is trying to sell U.S. public opinion on the idea that Hugo Chavez is universally loved by Venezuelans while the United States is bitterly hated.}}</ref> A 2005 [[Citgo]] progam to donate heating oil to poor household in the United States was criticized as a propaganda stunt.<ref name=HeatingOil>{{cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7817267.stm |title= Venezuela resumes fuel aid to US  |date= January 8, 2009 |publisher= BBC News |accessdate= April 26, 2012 |quote= Venezuela will continue to donate heating oil to some 200,000 low-income US households, reversing a decision to suspend supplies, officials say.  ... When the scheme began four years ago, critics decried it as a propaganda stunt by President Chavez, aimed at annoying the Bush administration, and criticised Mr Kennedy for taking part.}}</ref>
  
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* 1999: February 2 marked the presidential victory for Hugo Chavez. He began to promote his “[[Bolivarian Revolution]]” through print media, mostly in local newspapers like ''Barreto’s Correo del Presidente'' (focusing the messages on the transformation of Venezuela into a first world nation within ten years)<ref>{{cite book|last=McCaughan|first=Michael|title=The Battle of Venezuela|year=2005|publisher=Seven Stories Press|location=New York|isbn=978-1-58322-680-3|pages=98}}</ref>, and with murals of himself throughout the country .<ref>{{cite news|last=Kraft|first=Michael|title=Chavez Propaganda Machine|url=www.charlotteconservative.com/inex.php/2007/07/chavez-propaganda-machine/|accessdate=10 March 2012|newspaper=Charlotte Conservative|date=24 July 2007}}</ref>
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== In the media ==
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* 1999: Chavez began to use VTV, the state owned television station, to promote pro-Chávista ideals. <ref>{{cite news|last=Kraft|first=Michael|title=Chavez Propaganda Machine|url=www.charlotteconservative.com/index.php/2007/07/chavez-propaganda-machine/|accessdate=10 March 2012|newspaper=Charlotte Conservative|date=24 July 2007}}</ref>  Today, VTV is an outlet that promotes Chávismo 24/7.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kraft|first=Michael|title=Chavez Propaganda Machine|url=www.charlotteconservative.com/index.php/2007/07/chavez-propaganda-machine/|accessdate=10 March 2012|newspaper=Charlotte Conservative|date=24 July 2007}}</ref>
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* 1999-2001: Chavez focused on using “cadenas” (chains), which are “officially mandated transmissions (often hours long) on all terrestrial broadcasting organizations”.<ref>{{cite news|last=Carson|first=Roy|title=As Russian warships, Medvedev, visit Venezuela, the Maduro/Flores 'Rocky Horror Show' becomes tragi-comedy!|url=http://www.opednews.com/articles/As-Russian-warships-Medve-by-Roy-S-Carson-081126-186.html|accessdate=10 March 2012|newspaper=OpEd News|date=26 November 2008}}</ref>  They became the perfect weapon to fight criticism all hours of the day, since they reached all audiences both in urban and rural sections of [[Venezuela]].
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* 2001: Chávez transformed “[[Aló Presidente]]” from a radio show to a full-fledged live, unscripted, television show running all hours of the day promoting “Bolivarian Revolution", blaming the Venezuelan economic problems on its northern neighbor, the United States.<ref>{{cite news|last=Lakshmanan|first=Indira|title=Channeling his energies Venezuelans riveted by president's TV show|url=http://www.boston.com/news/world/latinamerica/articles/2005/07/27/channeling_his_energies/?page=1|accessdate=14 April 2012|newspaper=The Boston Globe|date=27 July 2005}}</ref> The show airs every Sunday, depicts Chavez (wearing red, the color of the revolution) as the charismatic leader, passionate about the well being of his country.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kraft|first=Michael|title=Chavez Propaganda Machine|url=www.charlotteconservative.com/inex.php/2007/07/chavez-propaganda-machine/|accessdate=10 March 2012|newspaper=Charlotte Conservative|date=24 July 2007}}</ref> Many Venezuelan's tune in because Mr. Chavez is known for unveiling new financial assistance packages every weekend.<ref>{{cite book|last=McCaughan|first=Michael|title=The Battle of Venezuela|year=2005|publisher=Seven Stories Press|location=New York|isbn=978-1-58322-680-3|pages=196}}</ref> Since 1999, President Chavez has spent an average 40 hours a week on television promoting his "Bolivarian Revolution".<ref>{{cite book|last=Schoen|first=Douglas|title=The Threat Closer to Home|year=2009|publisher=Free Press|location=New York|isbn=978-1-4165-9477-2|pages=154}}</ref>
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* 2002: Chávez focused on promoting his “Bolivarian Revolution” on a full-time basis, both domestically and internationally, by creating pro-Chávez television stations, [[ViVe]] and [[ANTV]], as well as [[TeleSur]], an [[Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas|ALBA]]<ref>{{cite news|last=ARREAZA|first=TERESA|title=ALBA: Bolivarian Alternative for Latin America and the Caribbean|url=http://venezuelanalysis.com/analysis/339|accessdate=12 March 2012|newspaper=Venezuelanlysis.com|date=20 January 2004}}</ref>  supported television channel targeting a broader regional audience, similar to [[CNN]]. <ref>{{cite news|last=Kraft|first=Michael|title=Chavez Propaganda Machine|url=www.charloteconservative.com/index.php/2007/07/chavez-propaganda-machine/|accessdate=10 March 2012|newspaper=Charlotte Conservative|date=24 July 2007}}</ref> 
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* 2002-2006: After the attempted [[coup d’état]] in April 2002, only two privately owned (supposed anti-Chávez/coup supporting) television stations remained in Venezuela, RCTV and Globovision.
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* 2004-2005: A new legal system was installed limiting political talk shows, modifying the penal code (simplifying ways people could sue for opinions emitted against them) creating self censorship of the press (Law of Social Responsibility 2005)<ref>{{cite book|last=McCaughan|first=Michael|title=The Battle of Venezuela|year=2005|publisher=Seven Stories Press|location=New York|isbn=978-1-58322-680-3|pages=95}}</ref>, and forced all media to transmit ten free minutes a day of “institutional” messages of pro-Chávista propaganda.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kraft|first=Michael|title=Chavez Propaganda Machine|url=www.charlotteconservative.com/inex.php/2007/07/chavez-propaganda-machine/|accessdate=10 March 2012|newspaper=Charlotte Conservative|date=24 July 2007}}</ref> 
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* 2007: May 27 marked the last day for the privately owned [[RCTV]]. The administration did not renew their broadcasting license despite multiple protests from the employees and owners.<ref>{{cite news|last=Carroll|first=Rory|title=Chavez silences critical TV station - and robs the people of their soaps|url=www.guardian.co.uk/media/2007/may/23/venezuela.broadcsting/print|accessdate=10 March 2012|newspaper=The Guardian|date=23 May 2007}}</ref> Chavez holds RCTV responsible for inciting the coup attempt in 2002, thus refused to renew its license.<ref>{{cite book|last=Edwards|first=David|title=Newspeak in the 21st Century|year=2009|publisher=Pluto Press|location=New York, New York|isbn=978-0-7453-2893-5|pages=192-193}}</ref> RCTV reemerged as RCTV International on cable television in 2010. After 3 years broadcasting on cable television, presumed free from the grasp of the Chavez administration, it was again removed from broadcasting in 2010 because of failure to meet CONATEL's order to hold a “international” channel certification; a request that was previously rejected by CONATEL.<ref>{{cite web|title=World Report 2012: Venezuela|url=http://www.hrw.org/world-report-2012/world-report-2012-venezuela|publisher=The Human Rights Watch|accessdate=14 April 2012}}</ref> Globovisión, the last television channel to avoid government criticisms, faced a $2.1 million fine (from CONATEL) on October 2011 for an alleged violation of the broadcasting statute.<ref>{{cite web|title=World Report 2012: Venezuela|url=http://www.hrw.org/world-report-2012/world-report-2012-venezuela|publisher=The Human Rights Watch|accessdate=14 April 2012}}</ref>  The television channel apparently aired unapproved images of a prison riot in June.<ref>{{cite web|title=World Report 2012: Venezuela|url=http://www.hrw.org/world-report-2012/world-report-2012-venezuela|publisher=The Human Rights Watch|accessdate=14 April 2012}}</ref>
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* 2007-2012: The state controls the majority of media sources within the country, inundating audiences with pro-Chávez, pro-"Bolivarian Revolutionary" ideals throughout the urban and rural areas.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kraft|first=Michael|title=Chavez Propaganda Machine|url=www.charlotteconservative.com/index.php/2007/07/chavez-propaganda-machine/|accessdate=10 March 2012|newspaper=Charlotte Conservative|date=24 July 2007}}</ref> Pro-Chávista ideals infiltrate radio stations, local and cable television channels, newspapers, the internet, and public buildings (with murals). It can be argued that Chávez has reached a “communicational hegemony” with the creation of TeleSur<ref>{{cite web|title=teleSUR homepage|url=http://www.telesurtv.net/}}</ref>, reaching international spheres of influence in [[Bolivia]], [[Nicaragua]], [[Ecuador]], and [[Cuba]] promoting a unified [[South America]] under his "Bolivarian Revolution".<ref>{{cite news|last=Hirst|first=Joel|title=The Bolivarian Alliance & the Hugo Chavez Propaganda Machine|url=http://laht.com/article.asp?CategoryId=13303&ArticleId=375338|accessdate=10 March 2012|newspaper=Latin American Herald Tribune|date=8 March 2012}}</ref>
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== Background to pro-Socialist propaganda ==
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The propaganda model used by Chávez is argued to have derived from the Bolshevik movement during the 1920s, which targeted capitalism throughout the world.  The Bolsheviks used propaganda to convince the masses that capitalism was "bad" and a socialist version of the world was necessary for all people to reach economic freedom.<ref>{{cite book|last=Linebarger|first=Paul|title=Psychological Warfare|year=2010|publisher=Coachwhip Publications|location=Landisville Pennsylvania|isbn=1-61646-055-5|pages=104}}</ref> According to a renowned history of propaganda author, Bolshevik propaganda is known to have "mystical subversive powers which no other operation could match" <ref>{{cite book|last=Linebarger|first=Paul|title=Psychological Warfare|year=2010|publisher=Coachwhip Publications|location=Landisville Pennsylvania|isbn=1-61646-055-5|pages=106}}</ref> and was implemented by: government channels, the party channels, trade unions, individual subversive operators (local community radio stations), films, radio, posters, books, consular missions, and cover organizations.<ref>{{cite book|last=Linebarger|first=Paul|title=Psychological Warfare|year=2010|publisher=Coachwhip Publications|location=Landisville Pennsylvania|isbn=1-61646-055-5|pages=107}}</ref> The main theme of the propaganda was to reiterate the Bolshevik mission of a world revolution focusing on the removal of all "owning classes from control of the productive capital" thus putting the capital in control of the working class.<ref>{{cite book|last=Linebarger|first=Paul|title=Psychological Warfare|year=2010|publisher=Coachwhip Publications|location=Landisville Pennsylvania|isbn=1-61646-055-5|pages=107}}</ref> The message of the propaganda was always directly political or social, and aimed at reinventing history to suite the incoming party.<ref>{{cite book|last=Turner|first=Andrew|title=Propaganda in Havana: The Politics of Public Space and Collective Memory in the Socialist City|year=2007|publisher=University of Pennsylvania|location=Philadelphia|pages=12,19}}</ref> The creation of a new vocabulary by changing the meanings of certain words to suite the Bolshevik agenda, increased their control over the people and created the opportunity for propaganda everywhere.<ref>{{cite book|last=Linebarger|first=Paul|title=Psychological Warfare|year=2010|publisher=Coachwhip Publications|location=Landisville Pennsylvania|isbn=1-61646-055-5|pages=108}}</ref> The [[Soviet Union]] propaganda penetrated cultural institutions such as: theater, books, art, education, museums, libraries, newspapers, TV, and radio stations.
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According to the BBC, US politicians have said [[TeleSUR]] is a propaganda tool for Chávez.<ref name= ChavezBid>{{cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/5046080.stm |title= Chavez bid to counter Hollywood |date= June 4, 2006 |publisher= BBC News |accessdate= April 26, 2012}}</ref><ref name= TelesurTested>{{cite news |url= http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/1122/p07s02-woam.html |title= Telesur tested by Chávez video |work= Christian Science Monitor |date= November 22, 2005 |accessdate= April 26, 2012| author= Sreeharsha, Vinod |quote= These clips bolster critics who claim the network is and will be a propaganda tool for Chávez.}}</ref> [[Villa del Cine]], a state-owned film and television studio started in 2006, has also been criticized as a "propaganda factory", according to Nichols and Morse<ref> Nichols and Morse (2010), p. 326.</ref> and independent film makers.<ref name= Ingham> {{cite news |author= Ingham, James |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7070799.stm |title= Venezuelan cinema, Chávez style |publisher= BBC News |date= November 1, 2007 |accessdate= April 26, 2012}}</ref> Chávez said that Villa del Cine would help break the "dictatorship of Hollywood".<ref name=Ingham/>
  
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Hugo Chavez continues the Bolshevik model into the 21st century. By creating Alo Presidente, TeleSUR, the Center for Situational Studies of the Nation (with ability to limit public dissemination of information or facts perceived to be confidential)<ref>{{cite web|title=World Report 2012: Venezuela|url=http://www.hrw.org/world-report-2012/world-report-2012-venezuela|publisher=The Human Rights Watch|accessdate=14 April 2012}}</ref>, creating the Venezuelan Solidarity Campaign (a pro-Bolivarian revolutionary website operated out of the U.K.),  a pro-socialist education program for public schools, pro-Chavez movies (South of the Border)<ref>{{cite web|title=South of the Border- A film by Oliver Stone|url=http://southoftheborderdoc.com/|accessdate=14 April 2012}}</ref>, pro-Chavez festivals (Viva Venezuela: Cultural Celebration)<ref>{{cite web|title=Viva Venezuela! Cultural Celebration|url=http://www.vicuk.org/|publisher=Venezuelan Solidarity Campaign|accessdate=14 April 2012}}</ref>, pro-chavez symphonies, an alleged loyal chavista branch of bishops in the Catholic church<ref>{{cite book|last=Schoen|first=Douglas|title=The Threat Closer to Home|year=2009|publisher=Free Press|location=New York|isbn=978-1-4165-9477-2|pages=154}}</ref>, canceling RCTV, altering the laws (requiring citizens to report disloyal citizens therefore accusing dissidents of being spies or agents of the imperialist enemy-U.S.),<ref>{{cite book|last=Schoen|first=Douglas|title=The Threat Closer to Home|year=2009|publisher=Free Press|location=New York|isbn=978-1-4165-9477-2|pages=156}}</ref> and allegedly destroying information about his government-where official government numbers have been redefined, changed, or disappeared-has allowed Hugo Chavez to promote his populist messages to all of Venezuela.<ref>{{cite book|last=Schoen|first=Douglas|title=The Threat Closer to Home|year=2009|publisher=Free Press|location=New York|isbn=978-1-4165-9477-2|pages=154}}</ref> The Chavez government has been accused of abusing its control over broadcasting frequencies, where they hold the ability punish radio and television stations that are thought to broadcast anti-Chavista programming.<ref>{{cite web|title=World Report 2012: Venezuela|url=http://www.hrw.org/world-report-2012/world-report-2012-venezuela|publisher=The Human Rights Watch|accessdate=14 April 2012}}</ref> In 2009, CONATEL (the government broadcasting authority) was responsible for closing 32 radio stations and over 200 others were being reviewed.<ref>{{cite web|title=World Report 2012: Venezuela|url=http://www.hrw.org/world-report-2012/world-report-2012-venezuela|publisher=The Human Rights Watch|accessdate=14 April 2012}}</ref> The crackdown in radio broadcasting has allowed “community” radio stations to spread across the country promoting pro-Chavez ideals without much opposition.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kraft|first=Michael|title=Chavez Propaganda Machine|url=www.charlotteconservative.com/index.php/2007/07/chavez-propaganda-machine/|accessdate=10 March 2012|newspaper=Charlotte Conservative|date=24 July 2007}}</ref> Additionally, the new version of [[Venezuelan Media|media law]] has promoted self-censorship within most of the opposition media. Through the use of propaganda, Chavez has continually verbalized his successes on television which has resulted in a large popular base of support.<ref>{{cite book|last=MANWARING|first=MAX G.|title=VENEZUELA’S HUGO CHÁVEZ, BOLIVARIAN SOCIALISM, AND ASYMMETRIC WARFARE|year=2005|publisher=The Strategic Studies Institute|location=http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pdffiles/pub628.pdf|pages=12|url=http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pdffiles/pub628.pdf}}</ref>
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The Chávez government has been accused by [[Human Rights Watch]] of abusing its control over broadcasting frequencies, where they can punish radio and television stations that are thought to broadcast anti-Chavista programming.<ref name=WorldReport>{{cite web|title=World Report 2012: Venezuela|url=http://www.hrw.org/world-report-2012/world-report-2012-venezuela|publisher=The Human Rights Watch|accessdate=14 April 2012}}</ref>  A new media law promotes self-censorship within most of the opposition media. Through the use of propaganda, Chavez has continually verbalized his successes on television which has resulted in a large popular base of support.<ref name=Manwaring12> Manwaring (2005), p. 12.</ref>
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== Bolivarian propaganda dissemination and its message ==
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The "Bolivarian propaganda" uses emotional arguments to gain attention, exploit the fears (either real or imagined) of the population, create external enemies for scapegoat purposes, and produce nationalism within the population, causing feelings of betrayal for support of the opposition.<ref>{{cite book|last=MANWARING|first=MAX G.|title=VENEZUELA’S HUGO CHÁVEZ, BOLIVARIAN SOCIALISM, AND ASYMMETRIC WARFARE|year=2005|publisher=The Strategic Studies Institute|location=http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pdffiles/pub628.pdf|pages=11|url=http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pdffiles/pub628.pdf}}</ref> The images and messages promote ideological mobilization<ref>{{cite book|last=Turner|first=Andrew|title=Propaganda in Havana: The Politics of Public Space and Collective Memory in the Socialist City|year=2007|publisher=University of Pennsylvania|location=Philadelphia|pages=14}}</ref>, including: Chavez as a “liberator”, the positive effects of the “Bolivarian Revolution” (including social reforms), state companies (like PDVSA), and power deriving from the people.<ref>{{cite news|last=Moloney|first=Anastasia|title=Photo Feature: Chavez's Propaganda|url=http://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/trend-lines/506/photo-feature-ch-vezs-propaganda|accessdate=10 March 2012|newspaper=The World Politics Review|date=29 January 2007}}</ref> The overall goal of the "Bolivarian" propaganda machine is to reflect society's wants and goals for an improved Venezuela.<ref>{{cite book|last=Turner|first=Andrew|title=Propaganda in Havana: The Politics of Public Space and Collective Memory in the Socialist City|year=2007|publisher=University of Pennsylvania|location=Philadelphia|pages=14}}</ref>
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According to Michael Kraft, writing in the ''Charlotte Conservative'', Bolivarian propaganda has been disseminated in Venezuela and abroad.<ref name=Kraft>{{rs|date=April 2012}} {{cite news|last=Kraft|first=Michael|title= Chavez Propaganda Machine |url= http://www.charlotteconservative.com/index.php/2007/07/chavez-propaganda-machine/ |accessdate=10 March 2012|work= Charlotte Conservative|date=24 July 2007}} </ref><ref name=Bogardus>{{cite web |author= Bogardus, Kevin |date= September 22, 2004 |url= http://projects.publicintegrity.org/oil/report.aspx?aid=383 |title= Venezuela Head Polishes Image With Oil Dollars: President Hugo Chavez takes his case to America's streets |publisher= [[Center for Public Integrity]] |accessdate= April 26, 2012}}</ref> The state is in charge of all public television stations and public radio stations, including [[Radio Nacional de Venezuela]] the only radio station with full national coverage.<ref name=Kraft/>  According to the Associated Press, opposition candidate [[María Corina Machado]] "complained about what she called a government-orchestrated propaganda machine that churns out spots ridiculing Chavez's critics, runs talk shows dominated by ruling party hopefuls and picks up all of the president's speeches".<ref name=ChavezFoes>{{cite news |author= Toothaker, Christopher |url= http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2012941607_apltvenezuelaoppositionsobstacles.html |title= Chavez foes face obstacles ahead of crucial vote |date= September 19, 2010 |publisher= Associated Press |work= The Seattle Times |accessdate= April 26, 2012 }}</ref>
  
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The "Bolivarian Revolution" is advertised through all outlets: TV, radio, Internet (with websites like the Venezuelan Solidarity Campaign)<ref>{{cite web|title=Venezuela Solidarity Campaign|url=http://www.vicuk.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=122&Itemid=30|accessdate=14 April 2012}}</ref> , magazines (like Viva Venezuela)<ref>{{cite web|title=Viva Venezuela|url=http://www.venezuelaviva.com/|accessdate=14 April 2012}}</ref> , newspapers, murals, billboards, memorabilia (action figures, t-shirts, posters), schools (through the lesson plans and books)<ref>{{cite book|last=MANWARING|first=MAX G.|title=VENEZUELA’S HUGO CHÁVEZ, BOLIVARIAN SOCIALISM, AND ASYMMETRIC WARFARE|year=2005|publisher=The Strategic Studies Institute|location=http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pdffiles/pub628.pdf|pages=10|url=http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pdffiles/pub628.pdf}}</ref>, movies, symphonies [[Orquesta Sinfónica Simón Bolívar|(Orquesta Sinfónica Simón Bolívar)]], festivals, and public service vehicles (like buses and ambulances).<ref>{{cite news|last=Moloney|first=Anastasia|title=Photo Feature: Chavez's Propaganda|url=www.worldpoliticsreview.com/articles|accessdate=10 March 2012|newspaper=World Politics Reveiw|date=29 January 2007}}</ref> The face of Chávez is found everywhere represeting his greatness and similarities to [[Simon Bolivar]]. The murals and billboards illustrate the president with his red barrette, his arm raised and fist clenched grabbing on to the "capitalism snake", or his saluting the Venezuelan flag. The majority of the messages, "vivir en socialismo" (live in socialism), "Venezuela, ahora es de todos" (Venezuela is now for everyone), "No cambiemos el clima, cabiemos el systema" (we aren't changing the climate we are changing the system), "hecho en socialismo" (made in socialism), "independienca y revolucion" (independence and revolution), "patria sociolismo o muerte" (national socialism or death) are spread throughout all of the country.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sanches|first=Angel Camino|title=Venezuela Propaganda gobierno|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLCUQ7yPFU4|accessdate=12 April 2012}}</ref>  
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In 1999, Chávez began to promote his revolution through print media, mostly in local newspapers like ''Barreto’s Correo del Presidente'', focusing the messages on the transformation of Venezuela into a first world nation within ten years.<ref name=McCaughan98> McCaughan (2005), p. 98.</ref> He used ''cadenas'' (obligatory televised transmission, often taking over regular programming for hours) that became an effective weapon to fight criticism by running continuosly to all audiences both in urban and rural sections of Venezuela.{{cn|date=April 2012}} In 2001, he transformed ''[[Aló Presidente]]'' from a radio show to a full-fledged live, unscripted, television show running all hours of the day promoting the Bolivarian Revolution, blaming the Venezuelan economic problems on its northern neighbor, the United States as a "mass-market soapbox for the policies and musings" of Chávez, who the ''Boston Globe'' described as "a media savvy, forward-thinking propagandist [who] has the oil wealth to influence public opinion".<ref name=Channeling>{{cite news|last=Lakshmanan|first=Indira|title=Channeling his energies Venezuelans riveted by president's TV show|url=http://www.boston.com/news/world/latinamerica/articles/2005/07/27/channeling_his_energies/?page=1|accessdate=14 April 2012|newspaper=The Boston Globe|date=27 July 2005}}</ref> The show airs every Sunday, depicts Chavez (wearing red, the color of the revolution) as the charismatic leader, passionate about the well being of his country.<ref name=Kraft/> Many Venezuelan's tune in because Mr. Chavez is known for unveiling new financial assistance packages every weekend.<ref name=McCaughan196>  McCaughan (2005), p. 196. </ref> Since 1999, President Chavez has spent an average 40 hours a week on television promoting his "Bolivarian Revolution".<ref name=Schoen154/>
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The typical images that accompany the pro-socialist messages are: the Bolshevik red star, Che Guevara portraits, Simon Bolivar portraits, red barrettes, Venezuelan flags, evil uncle sam, uncle sam as a snake, and Chavez with the superman logo.<ref>{{cite news|last=Moloney|first=Anastasia|title=Photo Feature: Chavez's Propaganda|url=www.worldpoliticsreview.com/articles|accessdate=10 March 2012|newspaper=World Politics Reveiw|date=29 January 2007}}</ref>
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== Success or Failure ==
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A successful propaganda campaign addresses four variables: to capture the attention of the right audience; to deliver an understandable and credible message; to deliver a message that influences the beliefs or understanding of the audience; and to create social contexts that lead toward desired outcomes.<ref>{{cite book|last=Turner|first=Andrew|title=Propaganda in Havana: The Politics of Public Space and Collective Memory in the Socialist City|year=2007|publisher=University of Pennsylvania|location=Philadelphia|pages=17}}</ref>   
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In 2005, the new Law of Social Responsibility modified the penal code to simplify ways people could sue for opinions emitted against them, resulting in limits on political talk shows and self-censorship of the press (Law of Social Responsibility 2005).<ref name=McCaughan95>  McCaughan (2005), p. 95. </ref> Privately-owned [[RCTV]] was closed in 2007 when thee administration did not renew their broadcasting license.<ref>{{cite news|last=Carroll|first=Rory|title=Chavez silences critical TV station - and robs the people of their soaps|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2007/may/23/venezuela.broadcsting/print|accessdate=10 March 2012|newspaper=The Guardian|date=23 May 2007}}</ref>  [[Globovisión]], the last television channel to avoid government criticism, faced a $2.1 million fine on October 2011 for an alleged violation of the broadcasting statute.<ref name=WorldReport/> As of 2012, the state controls the majority of media sources within the country, inundating audiences with pro-Chávez, pro-"Bolivarian Revolutionary" ideals throughout the urban and rural areas.<ref name=Kraft/> Pro-Chávista ideals infiltrate radio stations, local and cable television channels, newspapers, the internet, and public buildings (with murals).
  
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The state is in charge of all public television stations and public radio stations, including [[RNV]] the only radio station with full national coverage.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kraft|first=Michael|title=Chavez Propaganda Machine|url=www.charlotteconservative.com/index.php/2007/07/chavez-propaganda-machine/|accessdate=10 March 2012|newspaper=The Charlotte Conservative|date=24 July 2007}}</ref> They are able to reach all Venezuelans, and other Latin Americans, all hours of the day and night. The pro-Chávista/pro-Bolivarian revolutionary messages have been depicted throughout all corners of the country to include rural and urban areas. The creation of laws contributing to self-censorship, including telecommunication law (the ability of the government to revoke private outlets if it is convenient to Venezuela or demanded by the public) together with the 2005 amendments to the criminal code which increase the scope of ''desacato'' laws (which criminalize disrespect of high government officials); and a broadcasting statute allowing haphazard suspension of channels because of vaguely defined “incitement” offenses have only aided in the ability of the government to influence its people and discourage the opposition.<ref>{{cite web|title=World Report 2012: Venezuela|url=http://www.hrw.org/world-report-2012/world-report-2012-venezuela|publisher=The Human Rights Watch|accessdate=14 April 2012}}</ref>  Furthermore, as of December 2010 the Venezuelan National Assembly extended the scope of the broadcasting statute to include the internet.<ref>{{cite web|title=World Report 2012: Venezuela|url=http://www.hrw.org/world-report-2012/world-report-2012-venezuela|publisher=The Human Rights Watch|accessdate=14 April 2012}}</ref>
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== Dissemination==
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==References==
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{{reflist}}
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<!--- After listing your sources please cite them using inline citations and place them after the information they cite. Please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:REFB for instructions on how to add citations. --->
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* Carson, Roy S.  As Russian warships, Medvedev, visit Venezuela, the Maduro/Flores 'Rocky Horror Show' becomes tragi-comedy! http://www.opednews.com/articles/As-Russian-warships-Medve-by-Roy-S-Carson-081126-186.html
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*  Carroll, Rory. Chavez silences critical TV station – and robs the people of their soaps. The guardian, Wednesday May 23, 2007. http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2007/may/23/venezuela.broadcasting
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*Cuellar, Jesus Hernandez. Culture as a Political Weapon. April 13, 1998. http://www2.fiu.edu/~fcf/culture.html  
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Bolivarian propaganda uses emotional arguments to gain attention, exploit the fears (either real or imagined) of the population, create external enemies for scapegoat purposes, and produce nationalism within the population, causing feelings of betrayal for support of the opposition.<ref name=Manwaring11>  Manwaring (2005), p. 11.</ref> The images and messages promote ideological mobilization,<ref name=Turner14>Turner (2007), p. 14. </ref> including Chávez as a "liberator", the positive effects of the Bolivarian Revolution (including social reforms), and power deriving from the people.<ref name=Moloney/> The overall goal of the Bolivarian propaganda machine is to reflect society's wants and goals for an improved Venezuela.<ref name=Turner14/>
  
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* Maloney, Anastasia. Photo Feature: Chavez Propaganda. http://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/trend-lines/506/photo-feature-ch-vezs-propaganda. January 29, 2007.
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The Bolivarian Revolution is advertised through all outlets: TV, radio, Internet (with websites like the Venezuelan Solidarity Campaign), magazines (like Viva Venezuela), newspapers, murals, billboards, memorabilia (action figures, t-shirts, posters), schools (through the lesson plans and books),<ref name=Manwaring10/>  movies, symphonies [[Orquesta Sinfónica Simón Bolívar|(Orquesta Sinfónica Simón Bolívar)]], festivals, and public service vehicles (like buses and ambulances).<ref name=Moloney/>  The face of Chávez is everywhere, portraying similarities to Simón Bolívar; the typical images that accompany the pro-socialist messages are the Bolshevik red star, Che Guevara portraits, Simón Bolívar portraits, red barrettes, Venezuelan flags, evil [[Uncle Sam]], Uncle Sam as a snake, and Chávez with the superman logo.<ref name=Moloney/>
  
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*Hirst, Joel. The Bolivarian Alliance & the Hugo Chavez Propaganda Machine. http://laht.com/article.asp?CategoryId=13303&ArticleId=375338
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== See also ==
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* [[Bolivarianism]]
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* ''[[The Revolution Will Not Be Televised (film)]]''
  
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*Moloney, Anastasia. Photo Feature: Chavez's Propaganda. World Politics Review. January 29, 2007. http://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/trend-lines/506/photo-feature-ch-vezs-propaganda
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==References==
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{{reflist}}
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*Kraft, Michael. Chavez Propaganda Machine. The Charlotte Conservative. July 24, 2007. www.charlotteconservative.com/index.../chavez-propaganda-machine/
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*CNN Wire Staff. Controversial media-law changes approved in Venezuela. December 10, 2010. http://articles.cnn.com/2010-12-21/world/venezuela.media.laws_1_internet-providers-social-responsibility-venezuelan-government?_s=PM:WORLD
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*Andreu, Jose. CASTRO WON THE PROPAGANDA WAR. Guaracabuya.org. http://www.amigospais-guaracabuya.org/oagjn002.php.
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*Hampsey, Russel. J. Voices from the Sierra Maestra: Fidel Castro's Revolutionary Propaganda. Latin American Studies.org. Military Review, Command & General Staff College. http://www.latinamericanstudies.org/cuban-rebels/voices.htm
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*Shah, Anup. Media, Propaganda and Venezuela. Global Issues, December 2, 2006. http://www.globalissues.org/article/403/media-propaganda-and-venezuela
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*Ponce, Carlos. Chavez’s “Socialism of the 21st Century” -- Venezuela's Populist Propaganda. Latin American Herald Tribune, May 10, 2011. http://americasforum.com/content/chavez’s-“socialism-21st-century”-venezuelas-populist-propaganda
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*teleSUR homepage. http://www.telesurtv.net/
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*Manwaring, Max G. VENEZUELA’S HUGO CHÁVEZ, BOLIVARIAN SOCIALISM,
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AND ASYMMETRIC WARFARE. The Strategic Studies Institute, U.S. Army. October 2005. http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pdffiles/pub628.pdf
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*ARREAZA, TERESA. ALBA: Bolivarian Alternative for Latin America and the Caribbean. Venezuelanalysis.com; January 20, 2004. http://venezuelanalysis.com/analysis/339
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*McCaughan, Michael. The Battle of Venezuela. Seven Stories Press, New York: 2005.
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*Cromwell, David and David Edwards. NEWSPEAK in the 21st Century. Pluto Press, New York: 2009.
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*Turner, Andrew B. ''Propaganda in Havana: The Politics of Public Space and Collective Memory in
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===Bibliography===
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the Socialist City''. Urban Studies Program, Senior Seminar Papers. University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia: 2007.
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* {{cite web |last= Manwaring |first= Max G. |title= Venezuela's Hugo Chávez, Bolivarian socialism, and asymmetric warfare |year=2005|publisher= The Strategic Studies Institute | url= http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pdffiles/pub628.pdf |format= PDF }}
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* {{cite book|last=McCaughan|first=Michael|title=The Battle of Venezuela|year=2005|publisher=Seven Stories Press|location=New York|isbn=978-1-58322-680-3 |url= http://books.google.com/books?id=VdYHt8EBsJUC&printsec=frontcover&dq=McCaughan+The+Battle+of+Venezuela&hl=en&sa=X&ei=8leZT-7NK87dgQeu4OHxBg&ved=0CDIQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=McCaughan%20The%20Battle%20of%20Venezuela&f=false}}
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* {{cite book |author= Nelson, Brian A. |title= The Silence and the Scorpion |year= 2009 |publisher= Nation Books | isbn= 978-1-56858-418-8  |quote= It was in response to this 'Cubanization' that the opposition movement against Chavez was born:  A group of mothers realized that their chidren's new textbooks were really Cuban schoolbooks heavily infused with revolutionary propaganda, with new covers.}}
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* {{cite book |author= Nichols, Elizabeth Gackstetter and Kimberly J. Morse |title= Venezuela (Latin America in Focus) |year= 2010 |publisher= ABC-CLIO |isbn= 978-1-59884-569-3 |url= http://books.google.com/books?id=Cq-5QRDNVDEC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Venezuela+Nichols+Morse&hl=en&sa=X&ei=znuZT5GNCaW42wXO_LWgBw&sqi=2&ved=0CDAQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=Venezuela%20Nichols%20Morse&f=false}}
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* {{cite book|last=Schoen|first=Douglas|title=The Threat Closer to Home|year=2009|publisher=Free Press|location=New York|isbn=978-1-4165-9477-2 |url= http://books.google.com/books?id=ndgoy_h3taIC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Schoen+the+threat+closer+to+home&hl=en&sa=X&ei=5FWZT8DSHIH_ggfsuc3eBg&ved=0CDQQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=Schoen%20the%20threat%20closer%20to%20home&f=false}}
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*  {{cite book|last=Turner|first=Andrew|title=Propaganda in Havana: The Politics of Public Space and Collective Memory in the Socialist City|year=2007|publisher=University of Pennsylvania|location=Philadelphia}}
  
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*Schoen Douglas E, andMichael Rowan. ''The Threat Closer to Home.'' Free Press, New York: 2009.
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== Further reading ==
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* {{cite news |work= The New Zealand Herald |date= 10 March 2010 |title= Chavez in driver's seat as he silences his critics |format= via LexisNexis}}
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* {{cite news |title= Controversial media-law changes approved in Venezuela |date= December 10, 2010 |url= http://articles.cnn.com/2010-12-21/world/venezuela.media.laws_1_internet-providers-social-responsibility-venezuelan-government?_s=PM:WORLD |publisher= CNN}}
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* {{cite news |url= http://tyglobalist.org/front-page/theme/the-danger-of-chavezs-rhetoric/ |work= The Yale Globalist |title= The Danger of Chavez’s Rhetoric |author= Lopez, Fernanda |date= October 11, 2007 |accessdate= April 26, 2012 |quote= As long as Chávez’s propaganda pits poor against rich, he threatens the nation with an identity crisis that propaganda alone cannot solve.}}
  
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*Paul, Christopher. ''Information Operations Doctrine and Practice.'' Praeger Security International, Connecticut: 2008.
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{{Template:Hugo Chávez}}
  
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~~pincheslappel
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[[Category:Politics of Venezuela]][[Category:Hugo Chávez]][[Category:Essays]]

Latest revision as of 06:08, 27 April 2012

This article does contain some useful information, but it is written from an anti-Chavez, anti-socialist perspective, and should be read with that in mind

Bolivarian propaganda describes messages and pictures used to influence the behaviors and opinions of the Venezuelan people and promote Hugo Chávez's version of a 21st century Bolivarian Revolution.[1] The World Politics Review said, "As Chávez pushes on with transforming Venezuela into a socialist state, government propaganda plays an important role in maintaining and mobilizing government supporters ...";[2] the image of Chávez is seen on sides of buildings, on t-shirts, on ambulances, on official Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) billboards, and as action figures.[2][3] A 2011 New York Times article says Venezuela has an "expanding state propaganda complex".[4] The Boston Globe described Chávez as "a media savvy, forward-thinking propagandist [who] has the oil wealth to influence public opinion".[5]

This article contains content from Wikipedia
An article on this subject has been nominated for deletion on Wikipedia:
Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/
Bolivarian propaganda
Current versions of the GNU FDL article on WP may contain information useful to the improvement of this article 		WP+
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Background[edit]

The term Bolivarian Revolution denotes a new system of government, which strays from U.S. promoted representative democracy and capitalism,[6] based on Simón Bolívar's vision of a unified South America led by a "strong but compassionate caudillo".[7] The caudillo is responsible for transforming the military into the armed part of the nationalist revolution and enlisting the poor as its support base.[8] As opposed to a representative democracy, a "participatory democracy" (or a populist government supporting a socialist economic system), has become the foundation of the Hugo Chávez administration.[6] Under the Bolivarian Revolution, Chávez created Plan Bolívar to implement a strategy to improve welfare conditions for the poor and designed to integrate the Venezuelan troops into the Bolivarian Revolution.[7] A propaganda program has been established to accomplish "participatory democracy", to strengthen his political position, and to strengthen his power base.[9]

Brian A. Nelson says in The Silence and the Scorpion that opposition to Chávez was "born [when] a group of mothers realized that their chidren's new textbooks were really Cuban schoolbooks heavily infused with revolutionary propaganda".[10] According to Nichols and Morse in the book Venezuela (Latin America in Focus), the "Bolivarian curriculum" that was instituted to reflect Chávez's goals was against a 1980 law that prohibited political propaganda in schools.[11]

According to Douglas Schoen, in The Threat Closer to Home, Chávez has promoted his populist message [12] via programs and legislation including an alleged loyal chavista branch of bishops in the Catholic church,[12] closing RCTV, and altering laws to require citizens to report disloyal citizens.[13] Gustavo Coronel, writing in Human Events, said that Chávez has a costly and "intense propaganda machine" operating via the Venezuelan Embassy in the United States.[14] A 2005 Citgo progam to donate heating oil to poor household in the United States was criticized as a propaganda stunt.[15]

In the media[edit]

According to the BBC, US politicians have said TeleSUR is a propaganda tool for Chávez.[16][17] Villa del Cine, a state-owned film and television studio started in 2006, has also been criticized as a "propaganda factory", according to Nichols and Morse[18] and independent film makers.[19] Chávez said that Villa del Cine would help break the "dictatorship of Hollywood".[19]

The Chávez government has been accused by Human Rights Watch of abusing its control over broadcasting frequencies, where they can punish radio and television stations that are thought to broadcast anti-Chavista programming.[20] A new media law promotes self-censorship within most of the opposition media. Through the use of propaganda, Chavez has continually verbalized his successes on television which has resulted in a large popular base of support.[21]

According to Michael Kraft, writing in the Charlotte Conservative, Bolivarian propaganda has been disseminated in Venezuela and abroad.[22][23] The state is in charge of all public television stations and public radio stations, including Radio Nacional de Venezuela the only radio station with full national coverage.[22] According to the Associated Press, opposition candidate María Corina Machado "complained about what she called a government-orchestrated propaganda machine that churns out spots ridiculing Chavez's critics, runs talk shows dominated by ruling party hopefuls and picks up all of the president's speeches".[24]

In 1999, Chávez began to promote his revolution through print media, mostly in local newspapers like Barreto’s Correo del Presidente, focusing the messages on the transformation of Venezuela into a first world nation within ten years.[25] He used cadenas (obligatory televised transmission, often taking over regular programming for hours) that became an effective weapon to fight criticism by running continuosly to all audiences both in urban and rural sections of Venezuela.Template:cn In 2001, he transformed Aló Presidente from a radio show to a full-fledged live, unscripted, television show running all hours of the day promoting the Bolivarian Revolution, blaming the Venezuelan economic problems on its northern neighbor, the United States as a "mass-market soapbox for the policies and musings" of Chávez, who the Boston Globe described as "a media savvy, forward-thinking propagandist [who] has the oil wealth to influence public opinion".[5] The show airs every Sunday, depicts Chavez (wearing red, the color of the revolution) as the charismatic leader, passionate about the well being of his country.[22] Many Venezuelan's tune in because Mr. Chavez is known for unveiling new financial assistance packages every weekend.[26] Since 1999, President Chavez has spent an average 40 hours a week on television promoting his "Bolivarian Revolution".[12]

In 2005, the new Law of Social Responsibility modified the penal code to simplify ways people could sue for opinions emitted against them, resulting in limits on political talk shows and self-censorship of the press (Law of Social Responsibility 2005).[27] Privately-owned RCTV was closed in 2007 when thee administration did not renew their broadcasting license.[28] Globovisión, the last television channel to avoid government criticism, faced a $2.1 million fine on October 2011 for an alleged violation of the broadcasting statute.[20] As of 2012, the state controls the majority of media sources within the country, inundating audiences with pro-Chávez, pro-"Bolivarian Revolutionary" ideals throughout the urban and rural areas.[22] Pro-Chávista ideals infiltrate radio stations, local and cable television channels, newspapers, the internet, and public buildings (with murals).

Dissemination[edit]

Bolivarian propaganda uses emotional arguments to gain attention, exploit the fears (either real or imagined) of the population, create external enemies for scapegoat purposes, and produce nationalism within the population, causing feelings of betrayal for support of the opposition.[29] The images and messages promote ideological mobilization,[30] including Chávez as a "liberator", the positive effects of the Bolivarian Revolution (including social reforms), and power deriving from the people.[2] The overall goal of the Bolivarian propaganda machine is to reflect society's wants and goals for an improved Venezuela.[30]

The Bolivarian Revolution is advertised through all outlets: TV, radio, Internet (with websites like the Venezuelan Solidarity Campaign), magazines (like Viva Venezuela), newspapers, murals, billboards, memorabilia (action figures, t-shirts, posters), schools (through the lesson plans and books),[9] movies, symphonies (Orquesta Sinfónica Simón Bolívar), festivals, and public service vehicles (like buses and ambulances).[2] The face of Chávez is everywhere, portraying similarities to Simón Bolívar; the typical images that accompany the pro-socialist messages are the Bolshevik red star, Che Guevara portraits, Simón Bolívar portraits, red barrettes, Venezuelan flags, evil Uncle Sam, Uncle Sam as a snake, and Chávez with the superman logo.[2]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ Manwaring (2005), pp. 8–13.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Moloney, Anastasia (29 January 2007). "Photo Feature: Chavez's Propaganda". World Politics Review. http://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/trend-lines/506/photo-feature-ch-vezs-propaganda. Retrieved 10 March 2012. </li>
  3. ↑ Grant, Will (November 23, 2010). "Venezuela bans unauthorised use of Hugo Chavez's image". BBC News. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11818451. Retrieved April 26, 2012. </li>
  4. ↑ Romero, Simon (February 4, 2011). "In Venezuela, an American Has the President's Ear". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/05/world/americas/05venezuela.html. Retrieved April 26, 2012. </li>
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Lakshmanan, Indira (27 July 2005). "Channeling his energies Venezuelans riveted by president's TV show". The Boston Globe. http://www.boston.com/news/world/latinamerica/articles/2005/07/27/channeling_his_energies/?page=1. Retrieved 14 April 2012. </li>
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Manwaring (2005), p. 8.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 McCaughan (2005), p. 89.
  8. ↑ McCaughan (2005), p. 107.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Manwaring (2005), p. 10.
  10. ↑ Nelson (2009), p. 5.
  11. ↑ Nichols and Morse (2010), p. 230.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Schoen (2009), p. 154.
  13. ↑ Schoen (2009), p. 156.
  14. ↑ Coronel, Gustavo. Misreading Venezuela. Human Events. Cato Institute. URL accessed on April 26, 2012.
  15. ↑ "Venezuela resumes fuel aid to US". BBC News. January 8, 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7817267.stm. Retrieved April 26, 2012. "Venezuela will continue to donate heating oil to some 200,000 low-income US households, reversing a decision to suspend supplies, officials say. ... When the scheme began four years ago, critics decried it as a propaganda stunt by President Chavez, aimed at annoying the Bush administration, and criticised Mr Kennedy for taking part." </li>
  16. ↑ "Chavez bid to counter Hollywood". BBC News. June 4, 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/5046080.stm. Retrieved April 26, 2012. </li>
  17. ↑ Sreeharsha, Vinod (November 22, 2005). "Telesur tested by Chávez video". Christian Science Monitor. http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/1122/p07s02-woam.html. Retrieved April 26, 2012. "These clips bolster critics who claim the network is and will be a propaganda tool for Chávez." </li>
  18. ↑ Nichols and Morse (2010), p. 326.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Ingham, James (November 1, 2007). "Venezuelan cinema, Chávez style". BBC News. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7070799.stm. Retrieved April 26, 2012. </li>
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 World Report 2012: Venezuela. The Human Rights Watch. URL accessed on 14 April 2012.
  21. ↑ Manwaring (2005), p. 12.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 Template:rs Kraft, Michael (24 July 2007). "Chavez Propaganda Machine". Charlotte Conservative. http://www.charlotteconservative.com/index.php/2007/07/chavez-propaganda-machine/. Retrieved 10 March 2012. </li>
  23. ↑ Bogardus, Kevin. Venezuela Head Polishes Image With Oil Dollars: President Hugo Chavez takes his case to America's streets. Center for Public Integrity. URL accessed on April 26, 2012.
  24. ↑ Toothaker, Christopher (September 19, 2010). "Chavez foes face obstacles ahead of crucial vote". The Seattle Times (Associated Press). http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2012941607_apltvenezuelaoppositionsobstacles.html. Retrieved April 26, 2012. </li>
  25. ↑ McCaughan (2005), p. 98.
  26. ↑ McCaughan (2005), p. 196.
  27. ↑ McCaughan (2005), p. 95.
  28. ↑ Carroll, Rory (23 May 2007). "Chavez silences critical TV station - and robs the people of their soaps". The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2007/may/23/venezuela.broadcsting/print. Retrieved 10 March 2012. </li>
  29. ↑ Manwaring (2005), p. 11.
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 Turner (2007), p. 14.

    31. </ol>

Bibliography[edit]

  • Manwaring, Max G. (2005). Venezuela's Hugo Chávez, Bolivarian socialism, and asymmetric warfare. (PDF) The Strategic Studies Institute.
  • McCaughan, Michael (2005). The Battle of Venezuela, New York: Seven Stories Press.
  • Nelson, Brian A. (2009). The Silence and the Scorpion, Nation Books. "It was in response to this 'Cubanization' that the opposition movement against Chavez was born: A group of mothers realized that their chidren's new textbooks were really Cuban schoolbooks heavily infused with revolutionary propaganda, with new covers."
  • Nichols, Elizabeth Gackstetter and Kimberly J. Morse (2010). Venezuela (Latin America in Focus), ABC-CLIO.
  • Schoen, Douglas (2009). The Threat Closer to Home, New York: Free Press.
  • Turner, Andrew (2007). Propaganda in Havana: The Politics of Public Space and Collective Memory in the Socialist City, Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania.

Further reading[edit]

Template:Hugo Chávez

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