Preliminary arguments are still being heard by the Broadcast Commission regarding the Premier's address to the nation earlier this year.

Broadcast Commission chairman Tim Marshall said the Commission was deliberating on two arguments presented at the preliminary stage.

"Arguments have been presented and the Commission has to deal with them," Mr. Marshall said.

Decisions on those issues will determine whether a hearing proper takes place.

First scheduled to take place two weeks ago, the hearing was initially delayed because of an application by media organisations to open it up to the public. That application was denied and no official reasons have yet been given by the Commission.

But Mr. Marshall said that the parties will be notified as early as this week on why the Commission decided against an open hearing.

In late February, Premier Jennifer Smith made an address to the nation and called for national solidarity.

The Opposition United Bermuda Party questioned whether it was a political broadcast, paid for by the taxpayers, and made a formal complaint to the Broadcast Commission which adjudicates such matters.