AT least two networks have turned down an offer of a special prime ministerial broadcast for an address to the nation on her proposed carbon tax.

So far, Nine and Seven have declined to provide airtime for the broadcast, and it's unclear whether the Ten Network would or not, The Australian reports.

Sunday night's primetime programming on the commercial networks includes the Dancing With The Stars grand final, MasterChef, 60 Minutes and The Mentalist.

Nine's head of news and current affairs Mark Calvert accused the Prime Minister of a bold attempt to secure free and uncritical coverage.

"We’re not in the business of handing over free airtime for any political party to broadcast policy ads, without question, and without opposing views," Mr Calvert said.

He said the network would provide balanced coverage of the carbon tax announcement but "it's a bit of a try-on by the PM’s office".

A Seven source said the network would not provide airtime for what it regarded as a party-political announcement.

'It is only right that she explain'

A spokesman for Ms Gillard said the Prime Minister was "considering" making an address to the nation via the ABC on Sunday night. A live feed would be made available to other networks.

"Given the scope of the reform it is only right that she explain to the Australian people the detail of the Government's plan to cut carbon pollution," he said.

"All television networks have been given the opportunity to broadcast the address at the same time as always happens for such addresses. Historically they have chosen to on some occasions and not on others.

"It is entirely up to them if they choose to take up the offer on this occasion."

ABC may give Abbott reply

An ABC spokesman said it would consider a request. If it did choose to air it, a right of reply would be offered to Opposition Leader Tony Abbott.

Former prime minister John Howard made three addresses to the nation on his GST, with then-opposition leader Kim Beazley receiving a right of reply on each occasion.

The government recently announced a $12 million carbon tax advertising campaign amid growing public opposition to the policy measure.

'Don't expect a jump in Labor support'

Earlier today, the Prime Minister warned the long-awaited carbon pricing scheme wouldn't immediately appeal to voters when it’s released on Sunday.



The Prime Minister said months of explaining and campaigning will be needed to sell the anti-pollution scheme.



A spokesman for the PM says: "We won't see an instantaneous jump in support on Sunday once the package is announced. It will take months of explaining and campaigning on the issues."

Read more about the PM's request for airtime to detail the carbon tax at The Australian.