King Hamad greets journalists on World Press Freedom Day

Manama : His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa yesterday stressed that there is an urgent need to rein in the security and moral chaos in the media by fully embracing accuracy, honesty and objectivity in presenting news and opinions. 

HM the King was speaking on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day titled ‘Critical Minds for Critical Times: Media’s role in advancing peaceful, just and inclusive societies’.

In his address, King Hamad said, “We believe that there is an urgent need to take the necessary measures to rein in the security and moral chaos in the media, electronic and otherwise, through the commitment of the international satellite channels and the various media to international conventions.”

“They should also adopt international partnerships in promoting the safe and rational use of the Internet and social media, in avoiding incitement, defamation or violation of public morals and promoting effective cooperation in the fight against cyber crimes,” stressed HM the King. 

His Majesty the King also said that the free and pluralistic media committed to the values of integrity and transparency are the main pillars in achieving the goals of the 2030 Sustainable Development Plan for the establishment of safe, peaceful and prosperous global societies.

“We are keen on providing constitutional guarantees and appropriate environment for journalists and media professionals to exercise their rights to seek and use information and to express their opinions independently and freely without restriction,” said His Majesty the King. 

King Hamad also expressed his deep appreciation of the efforts by the Ministry of Information Affairs to develop the media and communication sector.“To further this development, we have directed government ministries and agencies to continue their coordination with the Ministry in disseminating facts and information,” HM King added. 

Separately, Information Affairs Minister Ali bin Mohammed Al Rumaihi, while greeting the press and media personnel, said, “The role of media is vital in preserving and defending the development gains achieved during the prosperous era of HM the King.”

Al Rumaihi said the ministry has signed a cooperation agreement with Tamkeen to implement a professional training programme to create 100 young Bahraini university graduates in the field of press and media prior to engaging them in the labour market. 

He also asserted the ministry’s keenness on strengthening partnerships with Arab and friendly countries, chiefly the Gulf countries, to enhance the media role.