BJA President highlights Bahrain’s press freedom strides

Manama, May 2 (BNA): Bahrain Journalist Association (BJA)'s President, Ahdeya Ahmed Al-Sayed, has stated that the press in Bahrain enjoys unlimited support from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, which contributed to its success in reaching a distinguishing status regionally and globally. In a statement marking the World Press Freedom Day, which is observed all over the world on Sunday, May 3, under the theme of “Journalism without Fear or Favour,” BJA President extended congratulations to the kingdom’s press and media community. She asserted that the Bahraini press has always been, and is still free and responsible, carrying out its media duties to the fullest, without prejudice to the freedoms of others, and in accordance with media ethics, impartiality principles and professional regulations, noting that it has done its utmost to enhance Bahrain’s status globally. She affirmed that the press in the kingdom has made major strides since the launch of HM the King’s reform project, under which the press in Bahrain is witnessing its best era in the fields of freedoms, expression of opinion and freedom of criticism, noting that journalists are not subject to any form of pressure, whatsoever, while exercising their duties. Commenting on the theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day, which is “Journalism without Fear or Favour,” she said that the press in Bahrain does not live in an atmosphere of fear, and that the press profession is regulated by laws, adding that journalists are guided by their conscience, processional ethics and neutrality. She highlighted the directives of HM the King, HRH Premier and HRH Crown Prince to ensure the transparency of state departments in dealing with the all press outlets, as well as to always keep doors open for journalists, cooperate with them in all fields and respond to their enquiries. She indicated that the Bahraini press enjoys a distinguished international status, as reflected in the media events in which the Bahraini media and BJA were praised by the officials of regional, Arab and international organisations. She also affirmed that the presence of a large number of correspondents to foreign newspapers in Bahrain, and their keenness to take the kingdom as their headquarters for years reflects the existing media freedoms, and proves their ability to practise journalism without pressure. She pointed out that Bahrain enjoys a distinguished media status at the international level, citing BJA’s ability to sign agreements and memoranda of understanding with many media parties all over the world. BJA president noted that the Bahraini press has showcased the best forms of professionalism, credibility and impartiality while covering the kingdom’s efforts to combat the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), citing its success in highlighting the distinguished achievements of the national taskforce for combating coronavirus, as well as in raising people’s awareness, and disseminating accurate information. She asserted that the Bahraini press has introduced modern technology, and is now present at various media websites and social media platforms, thus affirming its regional and international leadership. She stressed the need to complete the new press and media law, to keep pace with the rapid changes in the media and journalistic sector, praising, in this context, the efforts being made by the Minister of Information Affairs, Ali bin Mohammed Al-Romaihi, as well as members of the executive and legislative branches in this regard. She pledged that the Bahraini press will carry on its firm approach of defending the nation and its achievements, projecting the real image of the kingdom, and contributing to positive change by constructive criticism.