New rules for television and radio -- which had sparked controversy -- came into force over a week ago.

One of their aims was to keep airwaves clean by stopping slander and bad language.

The most controversial regulation was the seven-second delay between a caller speaking and having his words broadcast.

It was felt this could hit radio phone-ins like VSB's Shirley Dill show.

However, Bermuda Broadcasting Company and DeFontes Broadcasting Company said they had accepted the regulations.

BBC News Director Mr Jim McKey admitted there had been some concern about the seven-second delay.

"We had the machinery in place before the new regulations, but it needed to be fine-tuned,'' he explained.

Mr. DeFontes, general manager of DeFontes Broadcasting, described the regulations as "tough'' but manageable.

He added the seven-second delay meant extra expense in getting new equipment.

But he stressed: "We are trying to comply with all the regulations.'' Last year concern had been voiced over other regulations -- to force callers to TV and radio stations to give names, addresses and telephone numbers before going on the air.

This will give station bosses time to wipe out bad language before it is aired.

But Mr. DeFontes said this was already common practice.

"We have been doing it for some time. It has caused no problems with the Shirley Dill show.'' Mr. DeFontes said several meetings had been held with the Telecommunications officer to iron out any worries.

Opposition MPs last year accused Government of trying to stifle free speech and criticism through the regulations.

Changes to the 40-year-old Broadcasting Commissioners Act gave more powers to the commissioners.

Chairman of the Broadcasting Commissioners Mrs. Louise Jackson said TV and radio stations had already been following most of the regulations.

And they had had roughly six months to fall into line, and get used to them.

"I don't believe stations have any problems with the regulations. Nobody has complained about them,'' said Mrs. Jackson.

She pointed out there had been no regulations for radios up to now.

"Most of the stations are already doing this,'' she said.

She added the seven-second delay was aimed at preventing slander and libel.

UBP HAS NEW SPOKESPERSON PTL Mrs. Kathryn Gibbons has been named to succeed Mr. Joe Gibbons as the media spokesperson for the United Bermuda Party.

The appointment takes effect at the end of this month. Mr. Gibbons, who was the UBP executive officer for two years, has moved to the United States to study cooking.

Mrs. Gibbons, who through marriage is a distant relative of Mr. Gibbons, has been hired as a consultant to handle UBP administration and communications, including media relations, UBP chairman Mr. Gary Pitman said.

The wife of UBP Sen. Grant Gibbons, Mrs. Gibbons has more than 20 years of marketing and communications experience, he said.

For the past six years, she was director of marketing, advertising, and communications for Gibbons Management Services Ltd.

Before that, she worked nine years for Squib Pharmaceuticals in a series of positions, including manager of public affairs.

As an editor, writer, and producer, she has worked for political consultant Robert Goodman, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Public Service Electric and Gas Company, and the New Jersey Commission for Economic Development.

"We are pleased to have someone with such solid skills and credentials join our management team,'' Mr. Pitman said. "We look forward to the contributions Mrs. Gibbons will make to the United Bermuda Party organisation, especially as we address the significant challenges facing Bermuda in the months ahead.''