The media has today pledged to set up a self-regulating council by mid-September and urged Government to “put on ice” its plan for a state-controlled watchdog.

A joint letter was sent to Premier Ewart Brown and copied to all MPs from the editors of the Island’s two newspapers and those in charge of the three main broadcasting companies.

The signatories told Dr. Brown: “We take this opportunity to formally and collectively acknowledge that we ‘dropped the ball’ on the formation of a media council. It has been discussed on and off for years and we have had ample time to act.

“There are myriad reasons but no excuses — nor is there anything to gain by dwelling on what might have been. But we are now committed to a firm course of action.”

The letter — signed by Government senator and radio host Thaao Dill, programme director of Inter-Island Communications; Chris Lodge, news director at DeFontes Broadcasting Company; Rick Richardson, CEO of Bermuda Broadcasting Company; Tony McWilliam, editor of the Bermuda Sun; and Bill Zuill, editor of The Royal Gazette — promises that a voluntary media council will be “up and running” by September 14.

Those involved issued a joint press statement this afternoon, which said: “We have asked Government to put its media council bill ‘on ice’ while our self-regulatory option is given consideration. And we accept that if our council falls short of expectations, Government can always revert to the legislative option.

“Public debate has been lively in recent weeks and we feel the case for media self-regulation, drawing from examples around the world, has been well made.

“Conversely, the potential drawbacks of a statutory media council, with heavy political representation, have also been highlighted.”

See tomorrow’s edition of The Royal Gazette for the full story.