As promised, the largest Bermuda media companies have adopted a common Code of Practice aimed at setting a “benchmark for ethical standards, protecting both the rights of the individual and the public’s right to know”.
It has been presented to Premier, along with a plan to get a Media Council up and running by September 14. Adopters of the Code include the Bermuda Sun, the Royal Gazette, Inter-Island Communications, DeFontes Broadcasting, and Bermuda Broadcasting. Other local media outlets (including the new websites) are being invited to join.
The Bermuda Code of Practice appears to be well balanced and cover the established international best practices. In fact, in several areas relating to the rights of the individual it goes well beyond the standards adopted by the British Press Complaints Council.
I see no reason for Government to pursue its punitive draft Media Council Act.
It will be interesting to see if the Media Council also builds bridges between the competing news outlets to develop training, to form a unified voice against Government predations, and to act as a champion of Public Access to Information (PATI).
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