Every year, we do not celebrate the day of the Bahraini press as a passing occasion, but rather through it a honorable professional biography and a national path full of giving, the rules of the first founders laid out, and it continued to build generations of journalists, writers, photographers and editors who believed that the word is a responsibility, and that the press is not only a conveyor of the event, but a partner in its industry, and a guardian of the community. And his identity and security.
This day comes in light of the generous care of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the king of the country, may God protect and preserve him, who has always affirmed that freedom of the press is a basic corner in the march of the comprehensive reform project, and a major component in building the state of institutions and law.
It also renews this day to emphasize the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, may God protect him, for the Bahraini press, in a belief in its role in consolidating the culture of dialogue, conveying the truth, and keeping pace with national aspirations.
The Bahraini press today stands on a new threshold, in light of deep media transformations locally and globally, where the profession intersects with technology, and multiple platforms are competing to extract the attention of the public.
However, what distinguishes the national press is that it maintained its professional constants, and was able to keep pace with the variables, without abandoning their values, or waiving its national role in defending the country’s issues, and fortifying the citizen’s awareness against the campaigns of misinformation.
The Bahraini press has proven that it is the voice of reason in the time of chaos, appointed truth in the time of rumors, and an incubator of confidence between the state and society. Today, it is called more than ever to continue renewal, invest in competencies, armed with knowledge, and adhere to craftsmanship and objectivity, to be at the forefront of the ranks that keep pace with the national project towards sustainable development and comprehensive progress.
On this day, we salute everyone who honestly carried the pen, stood in the face of storms honestly, and staying up nights in order for the truth to reach people.
We also value national efforts to support press institutions, and we rely on a real partnership between the state and the media, based on mutual respect and integration in responsibilities, for free national media, professional, brave, and sober.
The press is not only a profession, but a message … and Bahrain, since its inception, was and still is the land of the free word, and the responsible press.
Abdullah Ilhami
