Samaher Saif Al-Yazal
Journalists and writers confirmed that the Shura Council’s unanimous approval of the draft new press and media law, after its approval by the House of Representatives, is a historic legislative milestone that confirms Bahrain’s leadership in modernizing its media system, and comes in response to the digital transformations taking place in the media arena. They stressed that it reflects advanced legislative awareness and gives the Bahraini press a new impetus towards more professionalism and transparency, thus consolidating Bahrain’s leading position. In supporting responsible media and legislation that keeps pace with the era of digital transformation.
In this context, the writer and editor-in-chief of the English Daily Tribune newspaper, Mahmoud Al-Mahmoud, confirmed that the next stage will witness a radical transformation in journalistic work in the Kingdom of Bahrain. He said that the new law addresses many problems with the expansion of electronic journalism and means of communication. He added that the new law places everyone before a national and professional responsibility at the same time, which contributes to consolidating responsible journalism.
For his part, journalist Dr. described Mustafa Noureddine from Al-Ayyam newspaper called the law a qualitative leap in the process of modernizing media legislation. He explained that abolishing the prison sentence in publishing cases and replacing it with financial fines is a civilized step that enhances trust between the press and society, and keeps pace with the finest international practices in protecting freedom of speech, pointing out that regulating electronic media within the law is an intelligent response to global digital transformations.
For his part, the Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Arab Journalists Association, Saad Rashid, considered the adoption of the law a pivotal stage in modernizing media legislation, stressing that it reflects the vision of the wise leadership in supporting the freedom of responsible media and developing its national and regional role. For her part, the Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Bahraini Journalists Association, Al-Media Media, said. Lulwa Boudlamah, the Shura Council’s consensus on the law reflects a national consensus. She added that the new law represents a reform tool that is consistent with Bahrain’s approach to modernization and openness, and provides journalists with a legal framework that protects them and motivates them to be creative.
In turn, opinion writer for Al-Watan, Fatima Al-Siddiqi, explained that the new press law is an inevitable necessity for regulating media work in light of the rapid digital development, noting that it preserves rights and sets clear standards for transparency and accountability.
In turn, Al-Watan opinion writer Najwa Janahi stressed that the new law restores matters to normal, and establishes that media is a profession that can only be practiced by qualified people, within a framework of professionalism and responsibility. She praised the abolition of the prison sentence in publishing cases, and considered it a historic step that embodies the depth of freedoms in Bahrain thanks to the leadership of His Majesty the King and the wisdom of His Highness the Crown Prince, Prime Minister.
