There has been a positive public response to media coverage of the Iraq war, according to a new survey.

An Independent Television Commission report published on Tuesday showed 42 per cent of those who watched television coverage of the military conflict believed politicians were as open as they could be, withholding information only for legitimate security reasons.

However just under a third believed such information was censored.

Bias was recognised more broadly in the newspapers - 53 per cent believed the Sun to be pro-war, with 40 per cent reporting the same of the Mail and 39 per cent of the Express.

In contrast, 43 per cent noted a bias towards the anti-war lobby from the Mirror.

Coverage by the broadsheets was more likely to be considered neutral, particularly in the case of the Guardian at 69 per cent.

Overall, television reporting was seen as unbiased by 52 per cent of those surveyed, but 61 per cent thought that there was too much war coverage on the television.

News programmes on Channels Four and Five were perceived as the least biased, with 77 per cent believing their coverage was fair to all parties.

A quarter believed the BBC, ITV and Sky News showed a bias towards Britain and America.

Looking at the coverage of the conflict, 84 per cent of viewers believed the prime minister's position was explained, compared to 38 per cent saying the same for the views of the Iraqi people.

The controversial new practice of reporters being "embedded" within the active armed forces was broadly welcomed by the public.

Two thirds of those questioned liked the initiative as a means of improving the understanding of the situation, although 52 per cent believed it could make the war seem more fictional.

While 57 per cent agreed that images of bodies and prisoners of war were legitimate news stories and should be broadcast, 61 per cent believed the feelings of the families of those involved should be paramount in any editorial decision.

"New technology has brought with it a new, more vital means of reporting military activities as they happen," said the report.

"Media coverage of the war on Iraq was relayed into homes all round the world straight from the front line.

"British viewers' responses to the coverage were found to be linked to their political allegiance, to their interest in the war, and to their view on whether the war was justified. On the whole, reactions have been positive."

The report also noted that war had been a "steep learning curve in using the technology of instant news" for all broadcasters.

"Some mistakes were made and lessons have been learnt. On the whole, however, the public have never been better served in terms of the range and immediacy of coverage and the diversity of views on offer."