Premier's support to media praised

Manama, Nov. 8 (BNA): Information Minister Ali bin Mohammed Al Romaihi praised the precious directives of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa regarding development of national media. He described them as a beacon to upgrade the media and boost its role as a vital partner in defending national security and stability and bolstering the ongoing development and civilisational achievements in the prosperous era of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The Information Minister expressed appreciation of the unflinching support of HRH the Premier for the media and media staff which reflects the leadership's awareness throughout history of the significant role of the media sector in protecting Bahrain's Arab cultural and civilisational identity and unifying the internal front against the media war and foreign interference which aim to undermine the kingdom's achievements and jeopardise the national security of the GCC countries, including mainly the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Information Minister underlined awareness of all media personnel of the utmost responsibility they have in developing the national media and enhancing its effectiveness on the internal and external scenes by taking the initiative instead of just responding and working with dedication in promoting patriotism and allegiance to the nation and leadership. He also emphasised the role of the media in fostering tolerance, moderation and social cohesion, noting that the relationship between the Arabian Gulf peoples and their leaders has a unique and distinguished specificity which might not be realized by some foreign media and research institutions. This relationship, he added, is based on the Islamic precepts as well as religious and constitutional fundamentals, understanding and protection of human rights and dignity in the state of citizenship, justice and equality. The Information Minister asserted that HRH the Premier's visit and directives will remain carved in the history of the nation and cherished by all the media staff as an incentive for more creativity and responsibility. He pointed out that Bahrain's mass media (written, audio-visual and electronic) are making big strides in terms of professional, technical and administrative achievements. He stressed their cultural and development role in an open and advanced climate to meet the farsighted contemporary vision of HM the King and the directives of HRH the Prime Minister and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier. The Information Minister reviewed the main projects carried out over the past six months in tune with the government's action plan to upgrade mass media and boost their pivotal role as an effective partner in supporting the achievements brought about by the royal reform project. He pointed out a comprehensive media policy that copes with the latest developments in the information and telecommunication sector and takes into consideration Bahrain's Arab identity and orientation towards the GCC union. The Information Minister said the new identity of Bahrain TV is regarded as a landmark event in the history of the national media since the establishment of the first newspaper in 1939, the launch of the first radio broadcasting in 1940 and television broadcasting in 1973 as well as the establishment of Bahrain TV in 1975. He pointed out development of the TV channels and programmes in terms of form, performance and content thanks to young and creative national competencies as well as modern and integrated equipment. At the administrative level, the Information Minister asserted that a new organisational structure has been adopted for the first time in 20 years, noting that a total of 870 employees have been registered in it. He also pointed out the establishment of a state-of-the-art National Communication Centre with a capacity of 100 employees to unify the government media discourse and take a leading position in disclosing information to confront the current local and international media challenges by informing citizens about the government's programmes and communicating with local, regional and international mass media. The Information Minister affirmed that the draft Press and e-Media Law have been completed and sent to the partners in the press and media outlets, and will be submitted to the Cabinet in the coming period and then referred to the National Assembly.