In an address marking the World Press Freedom Day, which falls on May 3, HM the King affirmed respect of the press and media. He stressed resolve to continue the reform and democratic project unabated to promote political and media plurality and responsible freedom and urged commitment to professional and ethical standard, underling the importance of heeding vital national interests.
“We seize this occasion to reiterate our firm resolve to widen the scope of print, audio-visual and electronic media – being the cornerstone of human rights and a mirror of our fledgling democracy”, he said.
He underlined the reform and modernization media and press strides achieved over the past twelve years, as stipulated in the Constitution, the National Action Charter and the Law on the Press and Publishing, promulgated by decree 47 for 2002.
HM the King made the keynote address as Bahrain joins the other nations in celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the World Press Freedom Day, being held this year under the slogan : “”Safe to Speak: Securing Freedom of Expression in All Media”.
“Bahrain has every right to feel proud, having provided a secure environment and viable legislations for journalists to express their opinions in total freedom and independence, beyond any constraints or intimidation”, he said.
He cited his directives to promote housing projects for journalists and media personnel, stressing the Government’s follow-up in cooperation with the Housing Ministry in this regard.
He stressed his instructions to draw up a new cadre in honour of journalists in recognition of their vital role amid current media challenges. He pointed out other media strides, citing specially the draft law on media and communication, yet to be endorsed by the legislative authority, and the structural overhauling of the Information Affairs Authority to keep abreast of latest global trends in these vital sectors.
HM the King hailed selection of Manama as Capital of Arab Media for 2013-2014 by the Arab Media Forum, recently held in Kuwait, thus building up on Manama Capital of Arab Press 2012.
He paid tribute to the Supreme Council for Women (SCW) for choosing to fete women’s media contribution in marking the annual Woman Day. He hailed the efforts of the Minister of Information Affairs and the Information Affairs Authority to promote the media profession on the bases of responsibility, openness and cooperation.
He also credited the Bahrain Journalists Association, the Foreign Correspondents’ Club, the Gulf Press Union for their contribution. He stressed the need of journalists to commit to the constitution and the law provisions as well as the code of professional conduct. He stressed the importance of mustering all national, Arab and international efforts to regulate the use of the mass media and avert any misuse to sow divisions, religious, sectarian or racial hatred, flout public decency.