Information minister praises Radio Bahrain

Information and Parliament Affairs Minister Isa bin Abdulrahman Al-Hammadi has expressed pride in the crucial role played by Radio Bahrain in promoting awareness and knowledge, consolidating tolerance and national unity and expressing the citizens' interests freely and objectively within the democratic and progress march, currently witnessed by the Kingdom under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa

In a statement marking the World Radio Day 2015, celebrated worldwide today, the minister commended the pivotal role played by Radio Bahrain, the voice of the nation, and its competent and creative staff in reflecting the interests of all citizens through their daily interaction with various social and human issues, strengthening the national fabric and preserving national security and stability to support the kingdom's sustainable comprehensive development march.

Al-Hammadi highlighted Radio Bahrain's constant keenness on covering national events and functions in all fields freely and transparently, with the participation of experts and citizens representing different political and intellectual trends.

The World Radio Day 2016 has gained additional momentum this year in Bahrain as it coincides with the kingdom's celebration with the 15th Anniversary of the National Action Charter thanks to which the democratic development and media openness have been consolidated, the freedoms of opinion and expression in all media outlets, including radio, has flourished, and the scope of freedom and creativity in the kingdom's nine radio stations has been boosted.

The minister asserted that Radio Bahrain will witness more developments and achievements through projects to develop its studios and equip them with cutting edge technology, and programmes to train its staff in collaboration with regional and international institutions.

The Information and Parliament Affairs Minister affirmed Bahrain's continuous radio coordination and cooperation with GCC and Arab through carrying on the exchange of radio programmes via satellite within the framework of the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU), enhancing joint production with GCC and Arab countries, supporting "This Is the Arabian Gulf" Radio station, which broadcasting from Manama, the kingdom's hosting of the 14th GCC Radio and TV Festival from March 14 to 17, 2016, continuous coordination with the Gulf Radio and TV Organisation for GCC States.

Commenting on the theme of this year's World Day, "Radio in Times of Emergency and Disaster", the minister highlighted Radio Bahrain's commitment, since its establishment in 1940, to raising awareness, enlightening the public, strengthening humanitarian and social bonds and enhancing the the citizens's participation in the national development and modernisation process, as well as the national efforts to overcome all challenges and crises.

Al-Hammadi underscored the keenness of the Bahraini radio stations on adhering to the professional and ethical standards while assuming their role, expressing their opinion and ensuring the right to access to information and disseminate them, in line with the Constitution, the law, the 2012 Code of Conduct for Audio-Visual Media, the edict of the Deputy President of the High Authority for Information and Communication in 2015 regarding the standards for supervising and monitoring media content. Under the edict, all media outlets should respect the governing system, as well as its symbols, institutions and statuary bodies, be committed to accuracy, honesty, objectivity and credibility, respect religions, and not cause harm to national unity, social cohesion and the kingdom's national and religious identity.

The minister extended sincere thanks and appreciation to 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, for their constant support to the information and communication sector.

He also paid tribute to the Radio Bahrain pioneers and the media competencies for their dedication in serving the nation.