Premier Alex Scott has hit back at claims the planned Government television channel would be undemocratic.

Senior statesman Quinton Edness told the proposals were the "first step towards dictatorship".

But in a statement, Mr. Scott said the aim was to give the general public greater access to information ? and this would increase democracy in Bermuda.

"The media plays a critical role in the functioning of any democracy, and we are not seeking to curtail traditional media," said the Premier.

"This initiative enhances democracy by broadening access to unfiltered public information."

The Premier said the framework for a state channel already existed, although it was unclear if he was referring to the Government's cable Channel Three, currently used by Fresh TV.

Mr. Scott added: "Ironically it was set up by a Government led by the same party, now in Opposition, which is leading the charge against it.

"What we are doing is realising its potential to broaden access to information about Government programmes and services."

Opposition politicians have said state controlled stations were only found in Communist countries.

But Mr. Scott, who has already said the station would not be a propaganda tool, said there were "scores" of examples of television channels in other democracies providing the same service, although he did not name any countries.

No details have been released about how much the move will cost the taxpayer, when the station will launch and how many hours it will broadcast daily.

The Premier said that Government was in the early stages of planning the channel. More information would be available at a later date.

However, he said the station would have "unparalleled access" to information about Government services, events and activities. This would come through live and taped broadcasts of unedited Press conferences. And he said shows may include live and repeat broadcasts of debates in the House of Assembly.