First draft of new law on media finalised

Information and Parliament Affairs Minister Isa Abdulrahman Al Hammadi said that the first draft of the new law on media had been finalised. “The preliminary version is undergoing the final touches at the government. The proposed legislation would be presented to concerned sides for consultation, prior to its referral to the government,” he added during the weekly post-Cabinet press briefing yesterday.

Underscoring the importance of the draft law, Al Hammadi said that it represents a top priority and will cover all types of media institutions. He pointed out that the measures undertaken by the Ministry of Information Affairs would apply to all parties. 

“The letters sent to some newspapers were in compliance with the ordinary measures to regulate their situation and abide by the licences, which authorise them to exercise their activity,” he said. 

Commenting that the current law dates back to 2002, he stressed the developments and changes, which have since happened in all media sectors, particularly technical strides. 

He said that the Ministry is seeking a compromise, which would enable newspapers to make use of certain technologies, pending the promulgation of the new law in media. “Newspapers are exercising their role in total freedom and responsibility.” 

According to him, it would be difficult to tolerate any breach of the activity stipulated in the licences issued to media institutions. 

“The government continues to coordinate and follow-up all referred draft laws”, he said, stressing high-level presence of officials, who represent the government in all parliamentary committees. 

The Minister seized the occasion to commend the Council of Representatives Speaker for his constant cooperation with the government regarding all legislative issues and parliamentary oversight procedures. 

Al Hammadi stressed the importance of giving priority to legislative work, which has a big impact on revitalizing the economic development. 

He also noted the need to streamline procedures and upgrade laws to facilitate economic projects, which would enable Bahrain to withstand financial challenges in the coming period.