Seven West Media, the owner of the Seven Network and West Australian Newspapers, has withdrawn from the Australian Press Council.

The council is the principal body that responds to complaints about Australian newspapers, magazines and digital news outlets.

Seven West Media editor-in-chief Bob Cronin says the company is setting up an alternative, independent complaint resolution body that will guarantee accountability of all the group’s publications.

Full details of the plan will be released by Seven West Media in coming weeks, Mr Cronin said in a statement on Wednesday.

Seven West Media comprises Seven TV, Pacific Magazines, the Yahoo!7 internet business, The West Australian newspaper and other regional newspapers and radio stations in WA.

Remaining members of the council include Fairfax Media, News Ltd, ACP Magazines, APN News and Media and Australian Associated Press (AAP).