HRH Premier inaugurates new media projects

HRH the Prime Minister stressed that every effort to develop the official media technically or professionally should focus first and foremost on strengthening the media message of Bahrain locally and externally, particularly in light of the technological and information challenges.

"What we regret most are the attempts made to downgrade the achievements of our country in many fields by distorting reality, but we are highly confident that the 'word' of the Bahraini media is the strongest and the most credible thanks to its editors and personnel who have proved their stances during the unforgettable regretful incidents that the kingdom had gone through," he said.

HRH the Premier affirmed that the stances of the Bahraini media personnel will never be forgotten, calling on media outlets to step up their joint action for the shared ultimate goal of serving Bahrain and its interests.

The Prime Minister made the statements while inaugurating today a number of projects pertaining to developing Bahrain TV, the News Centre and the National Communication Centre (NCC).

The projects are part of the government's initiatives to upgrade national media and keep it abreast of international media developments.

"We hope that the development projects will add a new media dimension for Bahrain, locally and abroad," the Premier said, urging Bahrain TV to increase interaction with the citizens through paying more attention to their issues and be a mirror that reflects what is happening in the Bahraini society.

HRH Premier commended the efforts exerted by the Ministry of Information Affairs over the past short period.

"Our ambitions towards the media are endless, just as those towards politics, economy and serving our society. We are constantly well-informed about the issues raised by the media, and we seek to solve them accordingly, especially regarding those pertaining to the requirements of the citizens," he added.

HRH Premier asserted that the current phase requires a media that takes the initiative, and is capable of continuously improving the content of its message so as to be more effective and able to achieve its goals of clarifying facts, enlightening the public opinion, and refuting the fallacies aimed at undermining the freedoms and progress boom currently witnessed by the kingdom in various fields.

"The experiences we have gone through require us to be permanently vigilant and ready, and to cope with all developments, particularly at the media level, so as to ensure that the voice of Bahrain is heard everywhere in order to preserve its identity, stability and national unity," the Premier said.

The speed of Bahrain's media message should match the importance of the event, he said, stressing that Bahraini media should be omnipresent to highlight the reality of the unprecedented accomplishments attained by the kingdom in various fields under HM King Hamad's leadership.

HRH Premier voiced admiration for the development projects implemented by the official media in Bahrain, noting that they will make in a quantum leap in the Bahraini media through the use of modern technology, and presentation of varied programmes that attract Bahraini viewers. 

The Prime Minister stressed that the media mission broadcast from Bahrain should foster love, solidarity and peace, consolidate the values of unity and cohesion among the citizens, promote Bahrain's deep-rooted principles and strengthen its identity and authentic culture.

HRH Premier lauded the advanced level reached by the official media outlets in the kingdom, in terms of technical development or the use qualified youth Bahrain competencies, calling for carrying on the development approach through media strategies and initiatives that keep pace with every developments in the field.

The Prime Minister expressed deep pride in the contributions of Bahrainis to the development and modernisation of the Bahraini media, paying tribute to the media outlets for their efforts to push the development efforts forward through enlightening the public opinion, raising the citizens' awareness and harnessing all potentials to serve the top national goals and interests.

During the inauguration ceremony, HRH Premier met journalists who greeted him and listened to his sound directives. 

The Prime Minister affirmed that the media and press personnel enjoy deep appreciation and respect for the dedicated patriotic efforts to enlighten society and consolidate the values of moderation. He lauded their role in defending the kingdom in the face of smear and distortive campaigns aimed at subverting the nation's security and stability, reiterating his constant keenness on reading their in-depth analyses and ideas.

"My door is open to you at any time. I am pleased to meet you and talk to you on everything pertaining to the issues of the nation and the citizens," he told journalists, confirming his support to them in performing their noble mission.

HRH Premier then shook hands with media personnel and employees of the Ministry of Information Affairs.

After that, Information Affairs Minister, Ali bin Mohammed Al-Romaihi, delivered a speech. He recalled the statement made by the late Ruler of Bahrain, HH Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, while opening Radio Bahrain in 1955, highlighting the interest of Bahraini leaders in the media and its personnel throughout history.

Al-Romaihi then presented an overview of the media development plan put forward in accordance with the directives of HRH the Prime Minister.

He said that over the past six month, all the technical equipment used have been developed using modern technology, a number of television production projects have been implemented in cooperation with 15 Bahraini companies, Bahrain TV relied on Bahraini youth in producing, preparing and presenting TV programmes, six studios equipped with cutting edge technology have been built, and special studios for the International Channel, the Bahrain Sport TV and the Holy Quran channel were also built.

At the administrative level, he asserted that a new organisational structure has been adopted for the first time in 20 years, noting that a total of 648 employees have been registered in it.

At the financial level, the minister said that the allocated budget have been used without seeking any extra funds.

As far as the legislative level is concerned, Al-Romaihi affirmed that the draft Press and e-Media Law has been completed and sent to the partners in the press and media outlets, and will be submitted to the Cabinet in the coming period and then referred to the National Assembly.

Concerning foreign media, the minister said that a National Communication Centre (NCC) has been built and an integrated 100-employee building, has been allocated for the Foreign Media Directorate for the first time.

Regarding interest in the human resources, he said that in line with HRH Premier's directives, the Information Affairs Ministry has put forward a national training programme to train 100 Bahraini male and female youth and prepare them to join the media industry in January, 2017, noting that the scheme is implemented by a specialised international company.

He added that the private sector has been encouraged to benefit from the qualified Bahraini human resources.

Then, HRH the Prime Minister was presented with a commemorative gift –a camera that had been used in outside coverage for TV programmes and bulletins from 1978 to 1983.