We asked readers what they thought of Government's media council bill and lots of you e-mailed us with responses. Most raised concerns about whether the council would really be independent, as promised, since a majority of members would be appointed after consultation with the Premier. Here is a selection of your views:

• Anthony Gorham: "Political access and potential control over this council is presently stronger than it should be. One solution might be to reduce the number the politicians 'appoint' to the council. So the numbers would be as follows: chair appointed solely by Governor; five 'appointed' by politicians; six appointed by press."

• Shirley Richardson: "I believe that a media council in Bermuda is desperately needed. I must say that to many there is very little objectivity, especially in the print media. I have made it a personal choice not to buy your newspaper. I find a lot of the reporting of low standards and very repetitive. In fact, many of the stories are more gossip than actual news. I also have a problem with anonymous letter writers, who you allow to demonise and attack people, without any way for the person who is attacked to answer back. I believe in freedom of the press, but with that freedom there must be some responsibility."

• Jill Brackstone: "This is just another nail in Bermuda's coffin. Our lame duck Premier does not have the vaguest idea what the word 'democracy' means and now he's proved it — once again. Freedom of the press is one of the basic tenets of a democracy. If that goes, then all the other 'freedoms' will fall like so many dominoes. Come on Bermuda, fight for your democracy, because once lost, it can seldom be regained."

• R. David: "One word — Zimbabwe. Robert Mugabe has some excellent ideas for dealing with the press. This is the slippery slope — I am glad that I no longer live in this place. I have rarely known a political establishment that needs to be kept in check like the one we have at present. As these issues reflect poorly on the good governance of the Island, I am sure that the new London administration will have an interest in proceedings."

• Timothy Fellowes: "What else could you expect from the Brown administration and the PLP? This is why we fled Bermuda in March. We could see what was coming."

• Juli Campbell: "Having read your bullet points of the Act, as well as your article, I am not at all surprised at the reaction of Lucy Dalglish [executive director of Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press] by saying: 'Is this a joke?' Sadly, it isn't. Having recently trumpeted our 400th anniversary, I would be tempted to think we have a mature democracy with the attendant freedom of the press. Sadly, I'd be wrong. Elected members of Government need thick skins. It gets hot in that kitchen. As George Orwell pointed out: 'Freedom of the press, if it means anything at all, means the freedom to criticise and oppose.' Sadly, our Government gets upset with criticism."

• Bev Tatem: "It seems to me that [Premier] Dr. [Ewart] Brown wants to control everything, does not want to listen to advice from anyone, wants to do exactly as he pleases and cares for no one but himself. I am very concerned that we are going to end up an independent nation with a dictator and loss of freedom of any kind. Bermuda needs to wake up and Dr. Brown (and his Government) need to go before things get any worse and before it's too late."

• John Ferguson, former ZBM news director and VSB news consultant: "I read the proposed media council act and my first thought is why is this act required? It would appear this proposed act is a way to muzzle the media. If the Bermuda Government intends to set up a media council with five members of the media and the rest members of the general public, the Government should pay for everything. It should NOT be the media. Who will be telling the media how to report and what they should and should not be doing?"

For more readers' views on the media council visit The Royal Gazette's Facebook fan page.