Venezuela's telecoms regulator says it will seek to fine the TV station Globovision for allegedly provoking anxiety with a news report about shortages of motor vehicles and basic goods.

CONATEL director Pedro Maldonado announced Monday what would mark the ninth fine against Globovision in recent years.

Maldonado said that, if approved by the agency, Globovision could be fined up to 10 percent of annual revenues

Globovision had no immediate comment.

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Ironically, the broadcaster had until recently been considered the last remaining opposition TV channel.

But Globovision has hemorrhaged independent-minded journalists since it was purchased by businessmen close to the government following April's presidential election, when it stopped carrying live broadcasts of the loser, opposition leader Henrique Capriles.

CONATEL's last few fines against Globovision helped persuade its previous owners to sell.

- AP