Former Telecommunications minister Renee Webb says the United Bermuda Party is right to complain about the pro-Government bias on Hott 107.5.

Earlier this week the UBP wrote a letter to the Broadcast Commission claiming the station is showing Progressive Labour Party "bias" and is breaching broadcast laws.

Its understood the Broadcast Commission, itself chaired by a former PLP candidate, will discuss it at a meeting today.

The amendment passed by the PLP in 2003 states that 'no employee of an undertaking [ie a broadcasting organisation] shall take part in a political broadcast unless he is a member of the Legislature or a candidate and he takes part in a broadcast in that capacity'.

Ms Webb, who is retiring as a PLP MP at this election, said the law had been updated under her watch as part of a general review of broadcasting legislation but the radio station was obviously flouting the new rules.

She told The Royal Gazette: "It is clear that based on the Political Broadcasting Regulations that using Hott broadcasters for political announcements and or ads during the election period is going against the regulations.

"As Minister responsible for upgrading the law in 2003, I am surprised that it is being ignored by those charged with upholding it.

"The Telecommunication department watchdogs, and the Broadcasting Commission need to get the matter in hand.

"It is not acceptable to remain silent while the law is being broken. It sets the wrong tone for a law-abiding populace."

The United Bermuda Party has written to telecoms boss Hiram Edwards to allege that "biased" Hott 107.5 radio station has been violating political broadcast directions.

Opposition chairman Shawn Crockwell's letter points to the frequency and objectivity of political adverts and announcements on Hott, whose president is Progressive Labour Party backbencher Glenn Blakeney and morning show presenter is vocal PLP supporter Thaao Dill.

The letter also raises questions over a fund-raising party for Mr. Blakeney for Constituency 13, hosted by Hott.

Mr. Crockwell said he was awaiting the findings of the Broadcasting Commission but the station had carried on plugging the PLP.

"We are seeing a blatant disregard and no one seems concerned."