Political involvement in Communications Commission remains

Non-voting member to stay on board after Keys' compromise

A compromise reached between MHKs will see a political member retained on the board of the Island's media regulator, but they won't have a vote.

It was agreed by the House of Keys this week after a debate on the make-up of the Communications Commission.

The issue is one members have grappled with for some time as they seek to update the Island's communication and broadcasting laws in a bill.

Home Affairs Minister Graham Cregeen is the current chair, though some members argue it's inappropriate for there to be political involvement in a body which regulates the media and telecoms sectors.

As a compromise, the Council of Ministers offered to amend the bill to have a non-voting political member on the board.

Mr Cregeen made the case to the House:

Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper was not a fan of the compromise:

The bill was passed 15 for, seven against, and will now go for Royal Assent.