A relaxation of advertising rules has been proposed to encourage local cable television production.

Under policies in place since 2008, local cable operators can lease up to ten channels but they cannot insert or allow advertisements on the leased channels.

A draft interim policy, unveiled yesterday, would allow approved content producers who lease channels to play local advertisements.

The move is intended to encourage the creation of more Bermudian programmes while a wider policy is developed.

A public consultation document on broadcasting reform is being prepared to hear the views of stakeholders and the public.

However, the draft policy recognises the Government’s commitment to promoting the creation, production and distribution of local Bermudian content on television and wants to discuss the issue of advertising on leased channels in advance of full broadcasting reform.

It proposes a relaxation of advertising restrictions to “support the growth and development of content that is local, diverse and of high-quality”.

The document added: “This relaxation would give independent producers access to a source of funds currently unavailable to them.

“It is intended to be an interim measure as the Government considers, and consults with the public on, the future of broadcasting in Bermuda.”

Under the draft policy, content producers would have to get government approval to be designated as qualified Bermudian independent producers.

The applicant would have to demonstrate the ability to produce and distribute quality local content.

No more than 14 minutes per hour of advertisements would be allowed.