Caracas  - Government regulators have opened an investigation into a television station in Venezuela for airing the US satirical cartoon The Simpsons during prime child-viewing hours.

The Televen station took the show off the air two weeks ago after receiving a warning from the National Telecommunications Commission and replaced it with the beach and bikini classic Baywatch in the 11 am time slot.

Televen faces punishments that include a fine and a three-day broadcasting blackout, the commission, also known as Conatel, said Tuesday in announcing the inquiry.

The investigation began three months after Conatel warned Televen about the broadcasts, saying The Simpsons could be a bad influence on the children of Venezuela. (dpa)