ID :
406044
Fri, 05/06/2016 - 19:17
Auther :

Press freedom milestone in Bahrain's democratic scene

Manama, May 6 (BNA): Information Minister Ali bin Mohammed Al Rumaihi stressed that free and responsible press is a pillar to boost awareness, disseminate noble humanitarian values and promote the development and democratic march. Marking Bahrain Press Day, on May 7, he paid tribute to the press and media staff for their commitment to the constitution and law as well as the charters of press and media ethics. He lauded their national contribution as key partners in maintaining Bahrain's security and stability as well as maximising the kingdom's development and civilisational achievements. "Press and media freedom has been a milestone in Bahrain's democratic scene since the inauguration of the National Action Charter and the inception of the reform and modernisation era," he said, pointing out the importance of independent press as a human right. He commended the royal address marking the World Press Freedom Day which, he said, reflects keenness of HM the King on ensuring mass media exercise their role in a more advanced legislative and organisational atmosphere. The Information Minister underlined the ministry's commitment to following up on the implementation of the royal directives through cooperation with the Civil Service Bureau (CSB), the Housing Ministry and Bahrain Journalists Association (BJA) concerning the media cadre and the journalists' housing project. He also pointed the ministry's plan to continue grooming the national media personnel and boosting the professional competence through specialised workshops held in cooperation with international media institutions. The Information Minister reiterated commitment of the national media to continue exercising its role in fostering national unity and security, supporting Arab and Islamic issues and adhering to the ethics of the profession by promoting values of tolerance and moderation. "All doors are open for the journalists and media staff to express their opinion transparently and credibly and exercise the right of objective and constructive criticism for the best interest of the nation and citizens," he said, commending the contribution of Bahrain press pioneers since the establishment of the first newspaper in 1939. He also underlined development of the press sector in Bahrain in the prosperous era of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, pointing out that there are seven dailies, 15 weekly newspapers and magazines, 38 monthly magazines and nine news websites. He added that the audio-visual media has also witnessed major development with six TV channels and nine radio stations. The Information Minister praised the pivotal role of Bahraini women in upgrading the press and media sector, expressing happiness about celebrating Bahrain Press Day for the second year. He described the occasion, which coincides with the World Press Freedom Day, as an opportunity to re-emphasise unity of the press and media community on boosting loyalty to the nation and leadership and promoting citizens'welfare.

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