Manama: Bahrain’s media should keep pace with the political and economic developments taking place in Bahrain, the newly appointed information minister has said.
“We want an effective media that takes the initiative and adopts an editorial policy that achieves the set objectives in the long run,” Eisa Abdul Rahman Al Hammadi said.
“Developing the official media remains the focus of our drive to overhaul and develop the information sector in the country. There is so much that we seek to accomplish in partnership with the local official and international media,” he said in a community-style interview with local daily Akhbar Al Kahleej.
The minister said that in spite of the developments in the national media, there was a need to adopt a new strategy to achieve specific results.
“A series of meetings and consultations are being held to glean diverse opinions and decide on the most suitable moves, particularly that Bahrain now has a new government work plan, a new parliament and a new budget” Al Hammadi, who was given the information portfolio this month, said.
However, the minister warned that endeavours to keep pace with the demands and benefits of modernisation should be premised on the reality on the ground.
“Developing a legal frame and promulgating a modern comprehensive law are a top priority and we will work on enhancing competences and performances, mainly through adequate ameliorations of the current standards and proper training. We will then be able to send Bahrain’s messages that reflect the developments happening in the kingdom across to the international community,” he said in the interview carried by Bahrain News Agency (BNA).
The minister added the content of all radio and television channels would be improved, the activities of the official local media would be better coordinated and contacts with the international media would be boosted.
Al Hammadi said that he would build on the strategies and plans of his predecessors and that there would be an open-door policy to interact with the media and provide them with official stances regarding any development.
“In line with the directives of the Prime Minister regarding open communication with the media and the press and providing the public with information about any development, there is a plan to establish a media council. It will be comprised of the editors in chief of newspapers and columnists who will convene once or twice a week in order to discuss views and ideas,” he said.
Al Hammadi said the private sector should be motivated to become involved in plans to boost the media sector.
“A great opportunity now is to involve the private sector in developing the media sector, investing in the radio and television infrastructure, and attracting channels. Huge efforts are needed to develop the sector and to reconnect viewers and listeners with our television and radio channels. This requires offering programmes that have a much higher quality what is currently available,” he said.
Al Hammadi has replaced Sameera Bin Rajab in the cabinet reshuffle following the parliamentary elections held on November 22 and 29.
