BJA to probe into complaints over ‘non-credible news’

The Bahrain Journalists Association (BJA) will soon launch a probe into complaints filed by many journalists over ‘news theft’ as well as fake news, especially on social media and other online platforms. Journalists say that this theft of content is totally illegal, and goes against the existing laws governing the functioning of the media organisations in the Kingdom. “Journalism is a noble profession.

This profession is expressed by the issuance of a newspaper, magazine or any other publication issued in one name and periodically, including electronic newspapers that are issued or broadcast by electronic means. “A distinction must be made between the constitutional right to express and the legal right to disseminate opinion by word or writing, and to practise the profession of journalism.

“The press means the institutionalisation of work in accordance with the rules prescribed by the laws, including obtaining licences from the official authorities concerned, and the result is the establishment of a commercial company subject to the rules of business and to allow it to publish ads to finance its activity and the payment of salaries of its employees,” the journalists observed.

“Some social media news accounts are stealing contents or quotes of personalities published in local newspapers without even giving a reference. The authorities should put an end to this practice,” they urged.