A total of 124 men and women, who have worked in the media sector for more than 20 years, were honoured yesterday (May 7) at an event in Bahrain, held under the patronage of HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

The event was organised by the Bahrain Journalists' Association (BJA), was at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Hotel and Spa, reported the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

Bahrain's Press pioneers are the conscience of a nation, said Akhbar Al Khaleej editor-in-chief Anwar Abdulrahman, speaking the special ceremony.

However, journalists should strive for accuracy and fairness in their reports and should not abuse their "powerful" position to promote their own agendas, he said, adding that Bahrain was on the "right path" of development and growth.

"An active Press is the conscience of a nation and we are about to reach this level of commitment," said Abdulrahman in his opening address.

"In the last 40 years, Bahrain has developed a lot because of the wise leadership of His Royal Highness the Prime Minister, who is the spiritual father in the entire development process. His Royal Highness is the leader of the people and wants to be with them at all times."

Abdulrahman said reporters should abide by proper journalistic ethics to ensure correct information is disseminated through media outlets.

"Every journalist has freedom to report, but that freedom does not mean intruding onto others... there should be no abuse," he said.

"It is important to check every report that is written or printed because after it is published it's like a fire bullet."

Abdulrahman said the Press in Bahrain has made giant strides over the past four decades because of the Premier's direct support to journalists.

He stressed that Press freedom was prevailing in Bahrain and that columnists were free to express their opinions and stances without any restrictions.

Abdulrahman was honoured during the ceremony along with GDN editor-in-chief George Williams.

Williams, who has played a major role in Bahrain's media industry for 36 years, said he was proud to be honoured for his work.

"This is a unique occasion that reflects the maturity of media development in Bahrain," he said.

"It has developed alongside the unflinching democracy and I am proud to be part of this for 36 years and still going strong."

Bahraini journalist Hafedh Abdulghaffar, who has worked in the sector for 20 years, said the event was a platform to encourage young people to take up the profession.

"The Bahrain media has gained a good reputation among their Arab and international counterparts and its future shines brighter through technology, social media and public awareness," he said. – TradeArabia News Service