MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14: A publicity campaign will be launched this week to raise awareness of the Media Council of Bermuda. The goal is to remind islanders that if the media make a serious error and fail to rectify it, formal recourse is available.
Twenty local media outlets — representing print, broadcast and the internet — support the Council and follow a common Code of Practice.
The Council was established in February of this year but to date, it has received no formal complaints. A breach of the Code must have been alleged and attempts to resolve the complaint directly must have failed if the complaint is to be heard.
Executive Officer Meredith Ebbin reports that while she has been made aware of several alleged infractions of the Code of Practice, complainants have gone directly to media outlets and had matters resolved, usually by way of an apology, correction or clarification.
In addition to handling complaints, a key goal of the Council is to protect freedom of expression.
Starting Wednesday, advertisements will appear in various local media outlets. The purpose is not to solicit complaints, but rather to ensure that islanders are aware that we are here to help.
The complaints procedure and the background to the formation of the Council are fully explained on our website: www.mediacouncilofbermuda.org
The Media Working Group:
Thaao Dill (Inter-Island Communications)
Chris Lodge (DeFontes Broadcasting Co.)
Tony McWilliam (Bermuda Sun)
Tracey Neale (Bermuda Broadcasting Co.)
Bill Zuill (The Royal Gazette)
Contact: Meredith Ebbin, Executive Officer: Ph. 236-7043