Media representatives today applauded Premier Ewart Brown's decision to put his controversial media council bill on hold.

Dr. Brown told the House of Assembly this morning that the Media Council Act 2010 would not be taken up by Government this parliamentary session.

Members of the Media Working Group, which includes Inter-Island Communications, DeFontes Broadcasting, the Bermuda Sun and The Royal Gazette, later issued a joint release.

"We’re putting a lot of time and energy into establishing our own, voluntary media council and we see Government’s decision as an endorsement of that effort," the statement read.

"Without question, we were prompted to act by Government but now that we have the ball rolling we’re confident most people will see the benefits of independent regulation over legislation. We were given the opportunity to address Cabinet last month and it appears that Government is satisfied with our progress to date. The two biggest winners are freedom of expression and the Bermudian public."

For the full story see tomorrow's Royal Gazette.