Bahraini media sector is a reflection of the Bahraini community

Bahrain sets an advanced model in political and democratic reform, economic freedom and respect of human rights, said  Information and Parliament Affairs Minister Isa Abdulrahman Al-Hammadi.  He lauded freedom of expression in Bahraini mass media thanks to the unabated reform and development march spearheaded by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

In an interview with Lebanese Al-Sayed magazine (edition 3712), which was published two weeks ago, Al-Hammadi praised the developed level of the Bahraini media thanks to the democratic climate in Bahrain, the gifted national cadres, an advanced and comprehensive infrastructure, advanced legislations as well as professional and moral regulations. He added that the Bahraini media sector is a reflection of the Bahraini community and its substantial political, economic and social development. He paid tribute to the leadership for their constant support to the press and media freedom, pointing out that since the launch of the royal reform project, the constitutional right to freedom of expression has been fully guaranteed.

The Information and Parliament Affairs Minister pointed out the major strides of the media sector in Bahrain with the number of daily newspapers going up from four in 2000 to seven. He added that there are now 15 weekly newspapers and magazines, 38 magazines covering a variety of subjects and 9 electronic newspapers and magazines. He also pointed out development of the audio-visual mass media with the existence of 6 TV channels, 10 radio stations and the growing use of the social media networks.

"The Bahraini media is facing many challenges concerning mainly disclosing the truth regarding acts of violence, terrorism, foreign interference and defamatory media campaigns targeting Bahrain for political and sectarian ends," he said, pointing out the media campaigns waged by the Iranian satellite channels against Bahrain.

Al-Hammadi added that the ministry has a comprehensive vision to upgrade the national media, pointing out that work is going on for a new media and telecommunication draft law to boost autonomy of the sector and its investment attractiveness. He underscored keenness to foster commitment of the mass media to professional and ethical regulations according to the constitution. He pointed out the establishment of the High Authority for Information and Communication in 2013 as an independent body to promote this commitment according to the Charter of Press Ethics, the Charter of the Audio-Visual Media Ethics, the Media Code of Conduct of 2012 and the ministerial draft resolution approved by the cabinet in September 2015 regarding commitment to professional regulations.

The Information and Parliament Affairs Minister also stressed that grooming the national cadres in the media and telecommunication field is top priority, being the pillar of media development. He underlined keenness to tap on the national potentials through specialised training programmes and workshops in Bahrain and abroad, pointing out the activation of many memoranda of understanding in this respect. He also underscored the specificity of the Bahraini experience in electronic media, pointing out that Bahrain ranks first at the Arab level in the Telecommunication and Information Technology Index. Meanwhile, he added, it ranks seventh globally in the Web Index and 26th in the telecommunication infrastructure. He also noted that Bahrain is one of the Arab countries that use the social communication networks a lot. Therefore, he added, the ministry is keen to keep abreast of cutting edge developments in conventional and new media. "However, the main challenge remains in spreading awareness of the safe use of those networks," he said.

Al-Hammadi also asserted the ongoing development of Bahrain's legislative system to cope with the fast-paced media and technical developments, pointing out the issuance of law 60 for 2014 on cyber crimes. He stressed the role of the current Media Law issued in decree 47 of 2002 in promoting freedom of expression, pointing out the ongoing work for a new and more developed draft law to further boost responsible freedom in all conventional and new mass media. He urged to strengthen social awareness of the need for responsible use of mass media to promote freedom of expression without discrediting people, transgressing the law or inciting hatred.