Media development to focus on Bahraini youth

Manama, Nov. 8 (BNA): Information Affairs Minister Ali bin Mohammed Al-Romaihi stressed HRH Prime Minister's support for the national media shoulders us great national responsibility for the nation and citizens. He pointed out the adoption of a philosophy by the Information Ministry that focuses on the Bahraini citizens as the cornerstone and goal of development, taking pride in the aptitudes of Bahraini youth who will form the backbone of the development process taking place in various media sectors, mainly television. The Information Minister, in a press conference held on the sidelines of the inauguration of a number of media projects for the development of Bahrain Television, News Center and National Communication Center, said the national media cadres at Bahrain TV will be the focus of future development process. He added that the Information Affairs Ministry has conducted detailed studies for the development of national TV to reflect Bahrain's civilization and culture. The minister elaborated that recent studies have accentuated the need for short-term development strategies, annual or monthly strategies, to keep pace with the rapid developments through putting faith in the youth's capabilities and the development of all media outlets. He noted the development witnessed by Bahrain TV and the transformation to the HD system, High-definition system. He affirmed that the citizens' issues and concerns will have the priority, adding there will be no red lines to cross, but the national unity and Bahrain-GCC brotherly relations. He highlighted the ministry's keenness to create and support Bahraini youth cadres capable of defending the sovereignty of the nation. He said the newBahrain TV will focus on mirroring the real image of Bahraini citizens and dealing chiefly with local affairs, as well as Gulf, Arab and world issues. He added that Bahrain TV follows the strategy of content to re-attract Bahraini citizen to national TV, where the focus will be on transparency in conveying the citizens' concerns. He pointed out highlighting the values of openness and tolerance embedded in the Bahraini citizens as a key responsibility of the official TV. He noted that local issues will be the center of Bahrain TV and coordination with various government institutions has been developed to activate communication with media channels to discuss and respond to issues raised by citizens, saying not responding to citizens' issues raised will produce negative consequences for government institutions. All citizens will have the opportunity to raise their issues and points of view, he added. With regard to the economic news, the minister said Bahrain is an international financial hub, but the economic news bulletins do not meet the aspiration. Coordination with relevant agencies, such as Economic Development Board, Bahrain Stock Exchange, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism has been discussed to broadcast programs to review various economic aspects, in addition a radical change will be introduced to the economic daily news to reflect the reality of the national economy. He said that cooperation between Bahrain TV and a number of private production companies would be established, but Bahraini youth will be the basis in the upcoming stage, stressing confidence in their creativity and excellence in various areas.