Mr. Klaus favors privatizing both state-run channels, which would cut against European standards of public broadcasting intended to protect minorities and access.

Kuwait began broadcasting its first state-run channel on November 5, 1961.

The only television station sympathetic to Mr. Chávez was the state-run channel, whose signal was immediately cut by the new government.

Independent programmers, however, can lease time on the five state-run channels, so there is little difference between Government and private television.

The three state-run channels have demanded to see in advance material due to be shown during his tour, which begins on Thursday.

Since Egypt launched its first broadcasts in 1960, state-run channels have held a monopoly on terrestrial broadcast.

The major newscast runs for half an hour at 7:30 P.M., ending as the state-run channel begins its news.

This means that state-run channels will get more competition, particularly in news.

"Bonsoir," she begins before delivering the day's news on France 3, a state-run channel.

There is one news program, rebroadcast twice during the evening, on the two state-run channels.