yesterday.

One aim is to keep airwaves clean by stopping slander and bad language.

The new broadcasting regulations -- which sparked fierce debate among MPs -- cover television and radio.

Opposition MPs last year tagged the Broadcasting Commissioners as United Bermuda Party "hacks''.

And they accused Government of stifling free speech and criticism.

Changes to the 40-year-old Broadcasting Commissioners Act beefed up commissioners' powers.

These included the control of advertising and fundraising, and movie-style classification of programmes.

Controversy raged over the move to force callers to TV and radio stations to give their names, addresses and telephone numbers before going on the air.

Concern was also voiced over the required seven-second delay between a caller speaking and having his words broadcast.

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

Yesterday chairman of the Broadcasting Commissioners Mrs. Louise Jackson was confident stations had accepted the changes.

The new regulations -- passed in the House of Assembly last June -- were officially gazetted yesterday.

Mrs. Jackson said TV and radio stations were already following most of the regulations.

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

The Telecommunications officer had staged talks with stations bosses to iron out worries.

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

She explained the thinking behind the regulations.

"There had been no regulations for radios up to now. This is the first time they have had them.

"As for television, it was a question of amending the regulations.'' Mrs. Jackson turned to the need for callers to stations to give personal details.

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

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

Among other regulations are that television should classify programmes into categories.

These include "A'' -- Artistic and Cultural; "C'' -- suited for Children; "D'' Documentaries; "E'' -- Educational; "N'' -- News; "G'' -- General Viewing; "PG'' programmes needing Parental Guidance; "RP'' -- Religious Programmes; and "S''-- Sports Programmes.

Other key measures include: Ban on tobacco advertising; Ban on alcohol (except beer and wine) advertising between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.; Alcohol advertising should include the message: "excessive alcohol consumption may be harmful to your health''; Stations must record daily record of programmes; Regular publication of time schedules for programmes; Television stations must not broadcast any programme which solicits funds from the public -- unless for an approved charity.