MANAMA: Bahraini press history and its intellectual and developmental have reached advanced levels of freedom, diversity and prosperity.
Information Affairs Authority (IAA) President, Ali Mohammad Al-Rumaihi, said these media strides were in line with the democratic developments, political pluralism and atmosphere of freedom of opinion and expression under the Royal reforms.
He also highlighted the IAA’s media forum which opens on Monday themed ‘Media and communication between freedom and social responsibility’ marking the 75th anniversary of the first publication of Bahrain newspaper, the first version of a Bahraini newspaper published in the Gulf region which also coincides with World Press Freedom Day.
IAA President called on journalists, media staff and intellectuals to participate in the event in recognition of Bahraini press pioneers’ contributions aimed to raise intellectual awareness, enrich the cultural movement, support the march of democratic development and activate controls on government performance in the framework of freedom and independence in the prosperous era of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
IAA President highlighted the Bahrain press quantum leap made under the Royal reforms, the increasing number of daily newspapers issued in 1999 from four newspapers to reach 12 daily and weekly newspapers in Arabic and English, in addition to dozens of specialized magazines to freely and independently practice their profession in accordance with the Constitution, national legislations and international conventions.
He asserted the Kingdom of Bahrain’s pledge in promoting freedom of press and media based on commitment to responsibility and professional ethics and avoiding incitement of sectarianism, hatred and violence.