ERROR RG P4 29.12.1998 Lawyer Timothy Marshall, referred to in last Wednesday's story about new appointments to the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, did not appear for VSB in the court case which won the right to have politics discussed on chat shows during the General Election campaign, but took the case to court on his own as a matter of public interest.

Bermuda's broadcasters are set to get more leeway with a major rewrite of the rulebook covering TV and radio, Telecommunications Minister Renee Webb promised yesterday.

Ms Webb said: "Most definitely -- one of the first things on the agenda for the Broadcasting Commission will be to look at the current legislation and make recommendations with respect to any changes which might take place.'' And that means broadcasters will have more freedom -- particularly in the political sphere -- than they have ever enjoyed before.

And the cost of overseas phone calls is in line to come down after Ms Webb backed proposals to cut the Bermuda charges to US phone firms.

Ms Webb was speaking as she announced the new-look nine-strong Broadcasting Commission, headed by lawyer Tim Marshall.

Mr. Marshall appeared for VSB in the run-up to the General Election and successfully argued that political argument should not be banned from radio talk shows during the campaign.

Ms Webb also announced the new Telecommunications Commission -- nine members headed by insurance giant Exel's chief information officer Ellen Lim.

The Minister said: "These are groups which are going to be very important to me as Minister of Telecommunications and, equally, very important to Bermuda.

"This is a period of extraordinary growth and very rapid change in the world of telecommunications and I shall be depending on these individuals to help me make sure Bermuda reacts appropriately to advances in technology.'' Ms Webb said she had seen a letter to her predecessor E.T. (Bob) Richards from the US Federal Communications Commission asking Bermuda to cut the current settlement rate of 25 cents to 15 cents -- in line with most countries' charges to the US -- or face trouble.

But Ms Webb stressed the previous Telecommunications Board had already made the same rate cut recommendation -- to take effect from January 1, with a further cut to 10 cents scheduled for next summer.

She added: "I've accepted that recommendation -- based on the fact that what the Telecommunications Commission recommended was in sync.

"The rates weren't recommended in response to the letter.'' And she said: "Eventually there will be a knock-on effect and the consumer will see a reduction in their long distance rates.'' Ms Webb added the Telecommunications Commission would be in the forefront of ensuring an opening-up of the industry in line with worldwide trends.

Webb unveils telecom team She said: "The whole issue of levelling the playing field is getting the monopolies to come on board with the whole idea of expanding the telecommunications industry so that Bermuda is competitive.'' Ms Webb admitted there had been "contentious issues'' -- like lowering the rates for interconnection between competing firms on the Island.

But she added: "So far the feedback I've received has been positive -- that's not to say it will remain that way, but it has been so far.'' The Broadcasting Commission will be: Mr. Marshall, travel agent Murray Brown, pupil lawyer Wayne Caines, businessman Rolfe Commissiong, Bermuda College staffers Laverne Furbert and Lyn Henderson, Aardvark Communications Janelle Wesch, ex-TV reporter Ceola Wilson, now with the BIU and PLP MP and ex-top cop Wayne Perinchief.

Ms Lim will be joined on the Telecommunications Commission by: Sharon Bailie, PLP MP Neletha Butterfield, Norman Dill, William Francis, Ronald Simmons, Shannon Simmons and Kim Wilson.

Renee Webb