A specialised company is to assess programmes broadcast on Bahrain Television during Ramadan.

A committee within the Information Affairs Authority (IAA) has also been formed to evaluate the shows produced in Bahrain, said Information Affairs Minister and official government spokesman Isa Al Hammadi.

It follows complaints against a mini-series called Har Wa Barid (Hot and Cold), starring former MP Ali Shamtoot and stand-up comedian Mansoor Al Gedawi, locally known as Singayma, which many believe was “tasteless”, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

“Whether it is the particular show under criticism or any other show, all will be assessed internally and independently,” said Al Hammadi at a Press conference held after the Cabinet session yesterday (July 6).

“The particular show ended after 15 episodes and didn’t follow the 30-episode Ramadan show criteria because work on it started late.

“The national budget was not approved and [a budget] was not assigned for the IAA and payments were made on an exceptional deal.

“Everyone worked harder than expected to get the shows on air on time and I believe they did their best, but through assessment we will be able to identify mistakes and improvements.”

The Cabinet also accepted a proposal by Youth and Sports Minister Hesham Al Jowder to offer special rates for electricity and water to clubs and youth centres.

The proposal was referred to the ministerial committee for financial affairs for further study.

“The current electricity and water rates are affecting the services and activities provided by youth centres and clubs, considering that they are non-profitable organisations,” said Al Hammadi.

“We are working on making clubs and youth centres self-dependent with focus on investments, but until this happens issues related to utility bills have to be resolved.”

Meanwhile, the Cabinet has finalised agreements that will be signed by His Majesty King Hamad during his visit to Azerbaijan later this year.

It also approved a parliamentary proposal to have Quran studies offered to students at schools under the supervision of the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry.

The Cabinet also approved a request by the Shura Council to withdraw the social, cultural and sports clubs and societies law and replace it with another taking into account freedoms and rights.

The current law bars dual board membership, while banning members of those establishments from joining political societies. - TradeArabia News Service