has received mixed signals from the public.

An informal poll on the streets of Hamilton this week revealed that while many feel The Royal Gazette , the Island's only daily, could use some competition, they are not turned on by the idea of paying for a Government channel.

Telecommunications Minister Renee Webb, in the House of Assembly last week, disclosed that there was a possibility that Government could set up its own information channel to deliver its message in an "accountable'' and "transparent'' way.

Ms Webb added that the print media "cannot be relied upon to give an objective and thorough view''.

And Progressive Labour Party backbencher Walter Lister blasted The Royal Gazette for allegedly abusing the freedom of the Press. The Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly accused the paper of publishing stories "without foundation''.

"As long as both parties get the opportunities to broadcast their opinions, I have no problems with it,'' Penny Stokes said yesterday about the idea of a Government channel.

The Warwick woman said she could understand why PLP Parliamentarians would be hostile to The Royal Gazette and their need for a fair forum.

Gary Saltus of Sandys Parish agreed and said Ms Webb's suggestion was a "great idea''.

" The Gazette is biased in what it writes and its comments,'' he claimed. "I think an alternative to The Gazette is better. The people need to be informed.'' A 34-year-old woman from St. George's also said she supported a TV or radio station.

The woman -- who asked not to named -- said she "totally agreed'' with Ms Webb's stance.

"I think Government should be able to get their point across without interference. I feel like everything they say is going to be incorrectly reported,'' she said.

The St. George's woman added: "The people should be able to form an opinion without bias from the media. Let's face it, The Gazette is biased.'' The woman also said she would be willing to pay more in taxes to fund the Government channel.

But that view was challenged by another woman who wished to remain anonymous.

"I think it's ridiculous,'' she said. "It would be a waste of people's money for a Government station.'' However, the 56-year-old Southampton woman added: "It wouldn't hurt for there to be competition for The Gazette . You can't believe everything you read in that paper.'' While Fern Lopes agreed, she said she did not think it was a good idea for a Government broadcast station.

"No, I don't really think it's necessary,'' Ms Lopes, of Devonshire said. "I do agree that The Gazette is biased. ZBM and VSB are good enough. There are other things we could spend that money on.'' Lawyer Arnold Todd Jr. said he had not had time to consider Ms Webb's suggestion.

However, he said another daily paper would be good for the Bermudian public.

"I think it is important for there to be an alternative source of daily news, though,'' Mr. Todd said, "just to maintain a degree of objectivity.'' Mr. Todd added: "There must be checks and balances. It makes for healthier journalism.'' As far as The Royal Gazette is concerned, Mr. Todd said: "It is not necessarily biased. But your paper could just do with some competition.'' His comments were echoed by Sandys Parish resident Graham Maule.

"I think that we do need another daily paper which would not be biased,'' Mr.

Maule said. "I have lived in the UK where there is media bias and there is state controlled media.

"With The Gazette it's a one-sided paper,'' Mr. Maule continued. "A Government station would help the Bermudian people. If they can't get unbiased reporting, then they will have to do it themselves.'' Noel Hodgson said he would prefer more discussion about Ms Webb's suggestion, but said at first glance it may be "OK''.

"But do we really need more money being spent?'' the Pembroke man asked. "I think as far as the Gazette is concerned, it sometimes has a problem. Things should be looking up now with a new Editor.'' Noel Hodgson Graham Maule Penny Stokes Arnold Todd