Broadcasting watchdogs yesterday banned a TV programme featuring Premier Jennifer Smith scheduled to air tonight. And the Broadcasting Commission ruled a TV slot featuring the Premier shown last Wednesday broke the rules on Government-funded productions. Commission chairman Tim Marshall warned Government that using the phrase "the PLP Government'' in the broadcast broke the rules on political neutrality for publicly-funded programmes. But Mr.

Marshall said reference in the programme to the Opposition was acceptable -- although he said it came "uncomfortably close'' to an offence under the regulations. The programme was designed to highlight the Government's achievements since taking office. The Commission report said: "Government would be wise to err on the side of caution and not make any reference to the Opposition.'' And it added Government Information Services, involved in the TV show, and broadcasting firms ZBM and VSB should learn the rules surrounding Government and party political broadcasts before they push ahead with productions. Last night Shadow Legislative Affairs Minister John Barritt -- who brought a complaint to the Commission under the Political Broadcasting Directions -- said he was pleased at the result. Mr. Barritt added: "Our complaint was justified -- as Opposition, we simply did our job. "I'm satisfied the Commission gave sound advice about what should happen in the future and we expect it to be followed.'' A written report by Mr. Marshall said Attorney General Lois Browne Evans had admitted the mistake at a hearing on Monday night and apologised. The report said: "Mrs Browne Evans assured the Commission that there would be compliance in the future and that this was an unfortunate case where the production company, Government Information Services and Government itself inadvertently overlooked the Directions.'' But Mr. Barritt added: "People may find the explanation incredible and that the buck was passed to Government Information Services, especially when the Premier was adamant that correct procedures were followed and the broadcast was legal.'' The Commission ruled the 100 Days programme was a Government production, not a political one and so could be paid for with taxpayers' cash.

But the Commissioners said it broke the rules on length at 23 minutes, when the maximum permitted under the Directions is 15 minutes. And the Commission insisted tonight's broadcast should be pulled because it broke the rule stating no more than one broadcast a month should be shown without special permission. The Commission report said: "The Government has not sought such permission and, therefore, the programme scheduled for this Wednesday should not be aired.'' It added: "In any event, given the acknowledged contravention ..it would be inappropriate for the Commissioners to grant such permission on this occasion.'' TELEVISION TV