The Media Council of Bermuda’s new executive officer has been named as Don Burgess.

Mr Burgess, the former deputy editor of The Bermuda Sun, will handle unresolved disputes with media outlets in his new post.

He succeeds Jeremy Deacon, who took on the role after the council’s first executive officer, Meredith Ebbin, stepped down two years ago.

Mr Burgess said: “I am humbled to be entrusted with this responsibility and I look forward to extending the legacy of my predecessors with an even-handed approach.

“The Media Council of Bermuda helps inspire the highest ethical standards of journalism and where mistakes have been made, a reasonable approach from both parties can often bring swift resolution.”

A social media and softball enthusiast, Mr. Burgess, 54, is also active in his church and community.

Tony McWilliam, who chairs the Media Working Group that oversees the running of the council, welcomed Mr Burgess on board.

He said: “Having worked alongside Don at The Bermuda Sun for many years, I know that he is a man of integrity, fairness and good judgment.”

Mr Deacon, who stepped down because of work commitments, said: “The Media Council has an important role to play in the community and I am sure Don will do a superb job. I wish him well.”

The Media Council was set up in 2011 with two main goals: to protect freedom of expression (in response to government moves to regulate the press), and to help resolve complaints, at no cost, when direct contact with a media outlet proves unsatisfactory.

See www.mediacouncilofbermuda.org, which contains the media’s Code of Conduct, on which all complaints must be based, and also explains the complaints procedure.