Press freedom, national responsibilities stressed

Manama, Mar 31 (BNA): Information Affairs Minister Ali bin Mohammed Al-Rumaihi stressed that the freedom and independence of the national newspapers in expressing their views impose on them national responsibilities as a partners in consolidating community unity, defending the homeland's security and stability, protecting its Arab identity and development and reform achievements, as well as standing against calls of hatred and division and rejecting extremism and terrorism. During his visit to Al-Wasat newspaper, which falls within his periodic meetings with editors-in-chief and journalists of local newspapers, the minister said that press and media sector, during the reform and prosperous era of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, has seen a quantum leap in terms of content, diversity of opinions and trends. It also witnessed an increase in the number of operating daily newspapers from four to seven, weekly newspapers and magazines up to 15, monthly magazine to 38, and nine electronic news sites, as well as the establishment of the High Authority for Information and Communications. The minister highlighted that the freedom of newspapers, magazines publications and circulation, and the rights of journalists and media men are guaranteed. He noted accessing to information and statistics from original sources in conformity with the professional and ethical regulations stipulated in the national constitution, legislations, and international conventions. He called for bolstering cooperation with local newspapers on the development of human resources, encouraging investments in media and communications sector, raising awareness of national issues, expressing citizens' issues, ensuring accuracy, objectivity and credibility in publishing news and reports, confronting rumors and defending national, Arab and Gulf unity. The minister during his visit met with Dar Al-Wasat for Publishing and Distribution Chairman Adel Al-Maskati, Al-Wasat Editor-in-chief Mansoor Al-Jamri, General Manager Majdi Mirza, and a number of department heads, columnists and editors.