source of news.

But in recent months, the Gazette's role and responsibility as the Island's only daily newspaper has been in the spotlight with critics claiming that the paper is politically biased and racist.

This month's RG Magazine -- free with tomorrow's edition of The Royal Gazette -- takes an in-depth look at the criticism, the recent boycott of the paper and how the Gazette goes about gathering the news.

Writer Robin Zuill talks to past and present staff, politicians and media observers about how and why the Gazette is perceived as it is.

Chris Gibbons, Managing Editor of RG , says: "As we are part of the Gazette , this is obviously one of the trickiest stories we have run in RG . It's inevitable that some people are going to look at it as an in-house whitewash ordered by the Board of Directors but nothing could be further from the truth.

"When you have the Island's only daily paper being heavily criticised to the point of being boycotted, then it's a newsworthy story in its own right that demands the objective, in-depth treatment that RG strives for in all its features.'' This month's RG also includes a special focus on Health and Fitness, packed with tips on how to lose those extra holiday pounds; plus why educators feel Black History Month should be part of a year-round multi-cultural curriculum in our schools; the Bermuda Monetary Authority's 25th anniversary; and an interview with British writer-director Jane McCulloch, whose Beethoven in Vienna is expected to be among the highlights of this year's Bermuda Festival.