Bermuda's first media council should be up and running on February 1 - five months after it was due to start.Members of Bermuda's media agreed to create a self-regulating council after former Premier Ewart Brown tabled legislation to create a Government-run one.He withdrew the legislation after a dozen media outlets signed up to a code of practice written by a working group comprised of Inter-Island Communications, DeFontes Broadcasting, Bermuda Broadcasting, the Bermuda Sun and The Royal Gazette.Eighteen media outlets have now signed up to the code of practice.Yesterday a spokesman for the council said the launch date had been tentatively set for February 1. It was supposed to be up and running in September 2010.“As previously announced, the eight-strong media council was established in October,” he said.“A website has also been built but various administrative delays, coupled with the holiday season, have stalled an official launch.“Measures are being taken to protect council members from legal liability and that process is drawing nearer to completion.“We regret the delays but now look forward to a February launch.”The Media Council will have two main functions to help resolve complaints against the media and to protect freedom of expression. It will not hear retroactive complaints.The spokesman stated:“The complaints procedure will be free, straightforward and swift.”Lawyer Christian Luthi heads the council along with deputy chairman Wendell Emery.Tom Vesey, a freelance writer, will represent the print media; Charles Webbe, of VSB, will represent broadcasters on the council; Qian Dickinson, owner of VATV, will represent online media.The non-media members include Kelly Francis, Rebecca Davies and Amanda Outerbridge.