Venezuelan TV channel may be fined for showing 'The Simpsons' by day.

CARACAS, Venezuela -- Regulators first kicked "The Simpsons" off Venezuela's daytime airwaves. Now they're threatening to punish the station that showed it during a time slot approved for children.

The National Telecommunications Commission said Tuesday night that the channel Televen could face a fine, be taken off the air for three days or be forced to show programs chosen by the agency in place of regular programming.

The channel yanked the animated series off the air earlier this month after the regulatory agency said showing it each day at 11 a.m. _ a time slot approved for all viewers _ violated regulations to protect children.

Broadcast in its place was "Baywatch Hawaii," featuring scantily clad lifeguards _ a program the channel says has not drawn complaints.

Commission Director Elda Rodriguez said in a statement that the agency had urged Televen in January not to show "The Simpsons" at that time, but the channel did not comply.

Rodriguez complained of "inappropriate language" and scenes "that can influence the behavior and education of boys, girls and adolescents."

Spokeswoman Elba Guillen said Wednesday that Televen is waiting for more information from the agency. She said the channel will keep "The Simpsons" off the air while the case is being considered.