Plans to establish a self-regulating media council have received backing from a dozen media outlets.

The initiative was launched in May by the Media Working Group — Inter-island Communications, DeFontes Broadcasting, Bermuda Broadcasting, the Bermuda Sun and The Royal Gazette.

A joint statement issued this afternoon said the group had been joined by Bernews, The Workers' Voice, IslandStats.com, The Bermudian Publishing Co., Bermuda Network News, the blog site 21square.com and Bermudabiographies.bm. Each entity has agreed to adopt a common code of practice by the end of this month.

“The Code of Practice will be the primary reference point for the Bermuda Media Council when handling complaints from the public. We're delighted with the level of cooperation within the industry and will continue to reach out to other media outlets to encourage them to come on board,” the statement read.

Veteran journalist Meredith Ebbin has been appointed executive officer for the media council and will serve as the point person for complaints from the public.

According to the release a three-member Appointments Committee, the primary role of which will be to select members of the media council, has been formed. It will be chaired by attorney Venous Memari, former chairperson of the Human Rights Commission. Her colleagues on the committee are Myra Virgil and Leopold Mills.

For the full story read tomorrow’s Royal Gazette.