Bahrain is in the final stages of launching its first Media City, which is expected to provide opportunities for the private sector to invest in the media, said a senior official.

'We are finalising laws to govern such an establishment in Bahrain,' said Information Affairs Authority (IAA) president Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa.

There was no information available yesterday on details of the project.

However, Shaikh Fawaz also revealed that a budget has been allocated to set up Bahrain's first Press Club which is expected to open its doors by next year.

'It will serve journalists and media figures. We have allocated the required budget and expect the Press Club to be functional by next year,' he made the announcement during a Press conference held at the IAA, Isa Town.

The IAA president also discussed plans to improve the country's radio services after he signed contracts with Broadcasting Board of Governors for Voice of America (BBG/VOA), which would provide content in both English and Arabic for FM radio, and British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) to supply radio programming.

The GDN reported yesterday that IAA also signed contracts with international media organisations to train staff to improve Bahrain Radio and Television Corporation (BRTC).

Shaikh Fawaz expressed the IAA's commitment to improving Bahraini media and implementing development plans.

He also said the authority has been utilising its resources to combat the spread of false news by international media, particularly Iran's Al Alam news.

'Bahrain is trying to utilise the best of its media figures to reach out to local and international audience,' he replied to questions raised by media.

'Al Alam is losing its credibility in the Gulf region for portraying false news.'

The IAA is on track in implementing its media strategy plan for 2011-2016 with the launch of the Quran Channel, International Channel and the new logo of Bahrain TV channels.

The Bahrain bouquet includes six channels; Bahrain TV, Bahrain 55 (broadcasting in English), International Channel, Bahrain Sport 1, Bahrain Sport 2 and the Quran Channel. – TradeArabia News Service