Venezuela sanctions local TV station for showing 'The Simpsons' in daytime slot

Venezuelan regulators are forcing a local TV station to show public service announcements as punishment for broadcasting "The Simpsons" during a time slot reserved for children's programs.

The Televen channel yanked the animated hit from its lineup in April after regulators said its 11 a.m. showing violated broadcast rules intended to protect young viewers.

"The Simpsons" returned to the air at night, and was replaced in the morning with "Baywatch Hawaii."

Venezuela's National Telecommunications Commission on Monday said it will choose short segments, including two 30-second "cultural and educational messages" per day, that the station must broadcast for 30 days as a sanction.

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