Music by Bermudian artists should be played twice every hour because there is plenty of it, says Wendell (Shine) Hayward.

He insists today's policy that local music represent ten percent of what is played on stations could be increased to 50 percent and leave DJs plenty of choice.

Mr. Hayward spoke yesterday morning at a public meeting held by the Broadcast Commission to discuss the amount of Bermudian music being played on the Island's radio stations.

Under the existing system, broadcasters must devote ten percent of daily programming to the airing of local music.

But a recent survey by the Broadcasting Commission revealed local musicians wanted more recognition to boost a declining music industry.

The same questionnaire showed broadcasters had concerns over some of the quality of the music produced by local musicians.

Mr. Hayward said quality shouldn't be an issue because all the recording studios on the Island are digital.

He said he knew of international artists that have come to Bermuda to record songs.

"The quality of local music produced today is on par with non locally-produced music thanks to the digital age," added Mr. Hayward, president of the Bermuda Federation of Musicians and Variety Acts.

He said: "I do hope that we all find a way to be all on the same page, all be headed in the same direction and to be on the same page making some local hits. The music exists."

He continued: "We need to move forward in an amicable way. Our position is that ten percent is minimal first of all, but the policy needs to be specific.

"We do not feel that the local content policy is adequate."

Minister of Telecommunications Terry Lister said: "It is in my opinion that it is up to those of us in this room today to determine the extent of local music being played on our local airways such that it protects and encourages the development of the talents and works of our Bermudian musicians, artists and entertainers.

"Let me add that this is to be a solutions-based event. In other words, if one party feels that the quality of the recordings is not up to par for broadcasting then it is expected that that same party will show or explain how the recordings can be produced at the required standard."

Facilitator of the meeting, Ottiwell Simmons said: "Another way of saying it is that if you were to go to the southern state of Tennessee, maybe you would hear nothing but local southern music.

"If you go to some state where they have cowboys, you would hear a local type of music. If you go to the islands you will hear calypso, reggae and so on."

Mr. Simmons said it is important to play what Bermudians want to hear while also playing music from the Island.

"We need to have our music played much more than it is being played."

The meeting, chaired by Broadcast Commission chairman Liz Christopher, was held at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute.