Hassan Al-Sitri
Media professionals confirmed that the ratification by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of the law regulating the press and electronic media opens a new chapter of media excellence in national work with advanced technical tools and means that employ artificial intelligence to serve the profession and perform the media message, noting that the law constitutes an unprecedented legislative and professional shift.
Editorial Secretary and Head of the Local Affairs and Digital Content Department at Al-Bilad newspaper, Rashid Al-Ghaib, confirmed that the King’s praise of those working in the fields of journalism and media expresses royal appreciation for the mission of the national press and its role in spreading awareness and shaping public opinion.
He added that His Majesty’s words came to place the journalism profession in its natural position as a pillar of the national development and modernization process.
Al-Ghaib pointed out that His Majesty’s description of the Press and Electronic Media Law as a modern and enlightened law reflects the depth of the royal vision in developing media legislation in line with the stage of digital progress in which we live, and in a way that gives journalists a wider space for professional creativity within a framework of trust and legal protection.
He explained that Bahrain is moving towards a new phase in strengthening the role of the press after regulating electronic media, as the new law arranges rights and duties in a balanced and appropriate manner.
Meanwhile, journalist Samah Allam expressed her admiration for the qualitative and important change represented by the Press and Electronic Media Law, which His Majesty the King of the country kindly praised, as this long-awaited law expresses the beginning of a new chapter of media excellence in national work with advanced technical tools and means that employ artificial intelligence to serve the profession and perform the media message.
She emphasized the great appreciation and pride of the journalistic body and those working in this vital field for His Majesty the King’s attention, follow-up and care for the people of the country working in the field of media. This lofty gesture expresses a great symbolic and moral tribute from His Majesty to those working in the press and media, and it is like a badge of honor for everyone who carries the trust of the word, and makes this profession a lofty national message no less important than any other development sector.
Allam explained that the law constitutes an unprecedented legislative and professional shift, reflecting an enlightened royal vision that believes that the media is not just a means of transmitting information, but rather an essential partner in national construction, and a pillar for consolidating the values of freedom, responsibility, and professionalism. The media is an honest mirror of society’s development, stability, and growth, and developed societies take pride in the legislative and legal environment they provide that enables the press and media to perform their national work professionally and professionally, and to keep pace with the rapid changes in the field of media. Hoping that this law will be a milestone in the history of the media and the profession.
Journalist Ali Abdul Khaleq stressed that His Majesty the King’s ratification of the Press and Electronic Media Law represents a qualitative and historic shift in the course of the Bahraini media.
He stated that the law embodies the insightful vision of His Majesty in keeping pace with global developments in the media field, and promoting a modern work environment that preserves freedom of expression and supports the independence of the press within a framework of professional responsibility and mutual respect.
Abdul Khaleq pointed out that His Majesty’s words were expressive and profound, reflecting his great appreciation for those working in the journalism and media profession, and his true belief in the national role they play in educating society, conveying the truth and enhancing awareness. His Majesty’s praise of the role of journalists and granting them confidence and support is a high honor for everyone who works in this noble field, and a message confirming that the media is an active partner in building the nation and preserving its gains.
He added, “We, as media professionals, consider this law the culmination of a long process of development, and a strong motivation to continue giving honestly and professionally to serve Bahrain.”
In turn, journalist Khaled Musa stressed that the ratification and issuance of the law by His Majesty the King of Bahrain represents a positive and pivotal step towards modernizing and developing the media system as a whole in Bahrain and enhancing the role of this system in serving development and prosperity under the leadership of His Majesty.
He said, “This law embodies a forward-looking vision that aims to integrate electronic media within the official legislative framework, so that it becomes an essential component of the national media landscape,” considering that amending the name of the law to include “regulating the press and electronic media” reflects an awareness of the importance of websites and digital platforms and the necessity of regulating them in a way that guarantees responsible freedom of expression, and keeps pace with rapid developments in modern publishing and communication tools.
Musa considered that adjusting the conditions of existing electronic media sites and setting clear conditions for licensing and appointing responsible managers would lead to raising the level of professionalism and responsibility in digital media content, so that electronic media would become a reliable source in building awareness, disseminating knowledge, and serving the comprehensive development goals in Bahrain.
