Editorial:
The Millennium

My predecessor, Jennifer Treleaven, has written to the Council asking it to bring to the attention of all the print media the fact that, in strict calendar terms, the twentieth century and second millennium of the current era end on 31 December 2000, not 1999.

She, together with a number of other correspondents, is concerned that the media have allowed themselves to become proponents of the concept that the new millennium starts in 2000.

The Council does not generally seek to impose its views on the print media in such matters and, in the absence of a formal complaint, has not made any ruling on the matter.

My personal view is that most newspapers have made clear their understanding that 2001 is the first year of the third millennium but have been equally clear that a large number of people, most likely a majority of the population will, nonetheless, celebrate the end of this year as the end of the millennium. To that extent, the debate on the right date has been determined in the court of public opinion. Letters to the editor columns have been used to "correct" inaccurate assessments of the exact date and the proponents of both 2000 and 2001 have been allowed the opportunity to present their cases.

I intend to take the opportunity to join those who celebrate at the end of this year and will celebrate the new millennium at the end of next year.

JACK R HERMAN

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