Bahrain TV on a revamp mode

Manama : Bahrain Television’s mission is to convey the image of the Kingdom to the world. It operates in accordance with an advanced strategy and phased plans that keep abreast of developments in the media and communication sector in the region, said Abdullah Khalid Ahmed Al Dossari Assistant Undersecretary for Radio and Television Affairs at the Ministry of Information Affairs as the channel launched several new programmes.

“Bahrain TV works to achieve objectives that carry a message of great importance to the region and the world. The Kingdom of Bahrain is a country that enjoys cultural and economic development. It is the land that embraces everyone without distinction. The country welcomes everyone and spreads the concepts of peace, love and coexistence,” he said.

“The challenges and difficulties facing the television production industry are the rapid change in the technology of television sets, the high cost of television production, and the difficulty of obtaining the professional and trained workforce of broadcasters, correspondents and programmers. However, thanks to the national human factor, these challenges have been transformed into opportunities that we have benefited from, and the joint training programme between the Labor Fund Tamkeen and the Ministry of Information Affairs, Which was sponsored by His Excellency the Minister of Information Affairs Ali bin Mohammed Al Rumaihi had a good impact in facilitating the mission of the launch of the channel through the availability of manpower trained and ready to start the work of media,” Qais Hassan Al-Dossary, Acting Director of Bahrain TV further said.

“The development process for television channels in Bahrain has been going on since the establishment of Bahrain Television in 1974 until today. Television production depends on the advanced technology and new ideas on television programmes. Since Bahrain International Channel is a public channel in English, we have to provide content suitable for all age groups taking into account the trends and tastes of local citizens and residents of this Kingdom,” he said.

On innovative initiatives

“Bahrain international channel has been for a while in the shadows of its sister channels, Bahrain TV and the sports channel, but his excellency the minister Ali Al Romahi had an idea of revamping the channel knowing the importance of the channel and its role in and outside of Bahrain, wherein I was tasked to put a plan for the channel,” said Head of Bahrain International Channel Mohammed Janahi.

“First thing we did is a quality assessment of the channel where we removed all of the old rerun programs, all programs in the SD format. Then we started to produce new programs; all in HD, where we have two daily show, Open Talk and Bahrain Today. Further, we have seven weekly programmes that vary from social, gaming, economic, entertainment and we also have a car show that showcases new cars and reviews in Bahrain. Basically, we are aiming to cater to all the demographics who watch the channel from young to old he said.

“Further, the team has increased a bit for now but for phase two of the revamp we will be looking to hire more talented young Bahrainis who will be the future of the channel and our ambassadors to the world,” he said. “Our plans. Well. The channel has to compete with the big private channels. We have limited resources. To make the channel successful we have to produce and buy programs, films, sitcom etc.  However, we are doing our best, trying to give the audience what they deserve and what they expect from us as a channel,” he added.