President of the Information Affairs Authority (IAA) Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa asserted that IAA is committed to developing its radio and television programmes and promoting the values of freedom, credibility, transparency, objectivity and neutrality, the essential pre-requisites for the development and success of responsible media work, in order to serve the homeland and the citizens in light of the pioneering Reform Project anchored by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
Speaking as he received the work team of the “I Am Bahrain” TV programme, in the presence of the Acting Director of Bahrain TV Nabeel Rashid Bu Hazza’a and presenters Mohammed Isa and Amina Al Hamdan, Shaikh Fawaz extended sincere thanks and appreciation to those in charge of the show for their efforts to discuss vital issues, especially those highlighting the government’s services aiming to upgrade the citizens’ standards of living.
He also called for the need to adhere to accuracy, impartiality, balance in media coverage and reflection of all opinions in order to activate the Audio-Visual Media Code of Ethics, Media Code of Honour and IAA’s Media Strategy through respect of the principles of transparent and responsible media freedom and preservation national interests and values of unity and cohesion.
He also pointed out that radio and television programmes should assume their social responsibilities through discussing all issues that concern all social groups, as required by the Constitution, law and all international norms, adding that participants should be given equal chances to express their views on equal footing, in line with the Royal directives.
Shaikh Fawaz also affirmed that IAA is keen to highlight the achievements attained by the government, led by His Royal Highness Prime Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, and discuss all concerns voiced by the citizens with the concerned government sides.
He also noted that IAA in committed to consolidating the media message inside and outside the kingdom, out of its belief in the essential role played by the media in preserving national achievements, safeguarding national unity, enhancing the already-attained gains in the fields of human rights and human development and upgrading the quality of the housing, health and education services and infrastructure projects, realized during HM the King’s prosperous era.