The Government’s TV channel, which costs more than $630,000 a year to run, risks becoming taxpayer-funded political propaganda unless the Opposition is given equal access, the One Bermuda Alliance warned.

Scott Pearman, an OBA MP, demanded that his party be given equal time on the publicly funded CITV after the launch of a new programme in which David Burt, the Premier, and Cabinet ministers are interviewed on government policy.

The remarks were triggered by a government announcement, which stated: “The public is invited to tune in to a new CITV programme called This Week in Government.

“This 20-minute show features insightful conversations with the Government’s key decision-makers, as well as those public officers who are doing extraordinary work in all areas of government.

“This Week in Government will cover current initiatives, key policies and the latest activities, and how they affect the lives of Bermudians.

“The pilot episode is currently airing, with Premier and finance minister David Burt discussing the 2023-24 Budget. Tune in to learn more about infrastructure investment, employer and employee tax relief, Morgan’s Point, tourism incentives and more.”

Mr Pearman said without equal access for the Opposition, it meant public funds were being used for “propaganda” purposes by the Government.

“The OBA welcomes opportunities for balanced and informed policy discussions. We have concerns, however, because CITV is supported by the taxpayer,” Mr Pearman said.

“If the PLP government uses CITV for party political rhetoric, to seek to defend the Burt Administration, then it is only fair that the OBA be given equal time.

“Otherwise, the Premier’s broadcasts will amount to political propaganda, paid for by the taxpayer when taxpayer pockets are already empty.

“CITV cannot become a partisan channel. And all of us should be concerned that our government is increasingly indifferent to democratic safeguards.

“The pursuit of power is not an end in itself.”

When asked to state how much the series in question costs to produce, a government spokeswoman said: “This is an original programme offering, as are all our programmes that are on the CITV station.

“The resources for its production are internal.

“We always welcome the community to learn more about what is offered on CITV; as such, members of the public can visit https://www.gov.bm/whats-on-citv.”

Advertising the show, an official statement added: “This Week in Government can be seen on CITV’s YouTube channel, on Government’s Facebook page, and on CITV television station (Wow Ch 102 / OneComm Ch 2). The public can view the episode here: .”

This year’s Budget allocation for CITV, which is officially described as “the Government television station”, is $631,000.