The rise of the Internet in place of traditional media is starting to become the standard for serious politicians, a popular Bermudian blogger says.

Christian Dunleavy, a United Bermuda Party member who runs the Politics.bm blog, notes that YouTube, the world's most popular site for uploading and sharing video, enables politicians to get around restrictive political broadcasting regulations.

Earlier this month, he said on his blog: "There are no broadcasting restrictions on web video or audio content whereas advertising through the traditional media is limited through Bermuda's Broadcasting Regulations."

With a few clicks of a mouse, basic computer skills and with no cost, politicians can upload video clips or campaign ads in a matter of minutes.

Evidence of this was Premier Ewart Brown's announcement of the General Election by a video posted on YouTube — a first in Bermudian politics.

At last check the 'Progressive Labour channel' on YouTube (run by the PLP) had 59 videos posted on it. Not to be outdone, the UBP were expected to unveil satirical videos on YouTube on Monday.

"I've always thought that Bermuda's Broadcasting Regulations were a little boneheaded," Mr. Dunleavy further comments on his web site.

"During election periods8211; the parties are restricted in time for political broadcasts/advertisements on TV and radio while non-election periods are unrestricted.

"That seems backwards in that election time is precisely when people are going to pay attention and the most information is communicated. 8211; (Although one upside is that it forces the campaigns to be strategic and not just blanket the airwaves with repetitive ads)."