Mexico City - Radio newsreader Alejandro Fonseca died early Wednesday following an armed attack as he was putting up posters protesting the violence that has plagued Mexico.

Late Tuesday, Fonseca had been putting up signs saying "No To Kidnappings" in the centre of Villahermosa, the capital of the state of Tabasco where his programme airs. He was shot in the chest by unknown attackers travelling in a van.

He was still alive when he was taken to hospital, where he died hours later.

Fonseca was the leading figure in a programme that is very popular in Tabasco, particularly among young people.

He was killed as he put up the last of five large posters against violence and in support of Tabasco Governor Andres Granier.

Eyewitnesses cited by Tabasco media said the attackers insulted Fonseca and complained that he was putting up such posters, and then shot him.

Police launched an investigation of the murder, but there were no immediate arrests in connection with the crime.

Most murder cases in Mexico are never solved. Since the beginning of 2008, more than 3,300 people have died in killings linked to organized crime. Some 40 journalists have been murdered in Mexico since 2000. (dpa)