Bahrain’s Premier has saluted generations of journalists and columnists ‘who toiled to promote the Fourth Estate in Bahrain and support national causes.’

"Successive generations enriched the media and laid the foundations for a trailblazing Bahrain school of journalism," he said, hailing journalists who shape through their prolific writings their country's national memory and set models for next generations, reported the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa hailed the crucial role of the Fourth Estate as he patronised the first edition of Bahrain Press Day.

Bahrain Journalists Association (BJA) organised the ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa in the presence of senior officials, media and Press figures.

He urged an enlightened pattern of thinking and media discourse that best copes with the age, believes in freedom, accepts the other and serves the nation.

"We have to focus on matters that concern citizens' comfort and well-being - which is our ultimate goal," he said, hailing Bahrain Press for reflecting public aspirations and highlighting key national issues.

He lauded liberties in Bahrain, paying tribute to His Majesty King Hamad for his far-sighted vision and keenness to promote responsible freedom in line with the constitution and the rule of law.

Eighty-six journalists, columnists, photographers and other media personnel were honoured by the Premier at the ceremony, lauding their contribution to the sector.




"Bahraini journalism is a major contributor to development in all fields and its role is vital for the progress we are seeing today," said the Premier.

"It is a distinguished day in the history of Bahrain and a moment of pride for all journalists for their enlightened thought and cultural contributions.

"Journalism and the media are an effective force behind awareness and a culture of enlightenment in the community."

He also urged the Bahrain Journalists Association (BJA) to encourage more young people to enter the profession.

"A young generation of journalists and media personnel should be an element that the BJA focuses on to allow capable individuals to carry on the torch," he said.

"There are challenges in which information is easily being spread and circulated positively and negatively, which requires more work to protect our identity and plant the seeds of patriotism among the young.

"Easier communication made all barriers disappear, but we hope it is used for good."

Meanwhile, BJA president Mounis Al Mardi said "More co-ordination is needed between government and private media establishments to further develop the sector."

"We will stand against any media source that spreads false or untrue information or tries to destabilise Bahrain."

He called for complementarity among all national media establishments in order to achieve the leadership's aspirations to enhance the status of the Bahraini media and keep abreast of rapid developments in the information and communication field.

Al Watan newspaper editor-in-chief Yousif Al Binkhalil delivered a speech on behalf of those honoured and a documentary depicting the Prime Minister's interest in the Press was also screened, while Mr Al Mardi also presented a commemorative gift to the Premier. - TradeArabia News Service