"political broadcast'' when it featured Premier David Saul talking to a forum of Island youth on ZBM television -- has offered equal time to the Opposition Leader Jennifer Smith.

"We strongly disagree with the Progressive Labour Party's claim that it was a political broadcast, but we've agreed to extend the same opportunity to them, one hour at a time and date to be determined,'' Programme Manager Jannell Dill yesterday told The Royal Gazette .

ZBM drew fire in the House of Assembly last week when Opposition members complained about the programme, prompting jeers from the Government side of the House.

The PLP however has taken its complaints to the Broadcast Commission, Commission Chairwoman Louise Jackson confirmed.

"We have had correspondence from the PLP about this matter and it will be discussed at the next (Commission) meeting. Other than that, that's all I can say at this point,'' Mrs. Jackson told The Royal Gazette .

Shadow Minister of Information and Technology, Stanley Morton, granted the youth forum was a great idea. "My complaint is their (ZBM's) failure to give equal time to the Leader of the Opposition. There is a requirement that political parties must be granted equal time,'' he said.

About 30 students -- aged 14-16 -- were drawn across Island schools to participate in the forum which aired on the evening of February 25, said Ms Dill.

"I can't understand why they've made such a big deal about this. We did the same thing in 1994 with (former) Premier Sir John Swan and no one said a thing.

"Surely the leader of the Country has the right to participate in this type of forum. It's done everywhere else,'' she said.

The programme was for young people to raise concerns one-on-one with the Premier, she added.

"Maybe it's the political climate we're in right now.'' TELEVISION TV