Bahrain’s journalists were hailed as the kingdom’s ‘true face’ in confronting Iranian aggression, as national leaders praised the Press for standing shoulder to shoulder with the country’s security forces in defending the truth during one of the most challenging periods in recent history.
The tribute came as the Deputy King, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, attended the 10th Prime Minister’s Journalism Award, held under his patronage at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, where media professionals were honoured for excellence, patriotism and their unwavering commitment to the nation.
Information Minister Dr Ramzan Al Nuaimi said this year’s award carried exceptional significance following the Iranian aggression against Bahrain and the region.
“Over the past few months, Bahrain’s media has been the true face against the Iranian aggression,” he said.
“Our journalists carried the responsibility of conveying the truth, exposing the crimes of the Iranian aggressor and confronting the false narratives surrounding the events. The Bahraini pen, voice and image stood united in defence of the nation.”
Dr Al Nuaimi described the award’s 10th edition as a milestone in Bahrain’s media journey.
“What began as an initiative has today become a respected national platform celebrating journalistic excellence,” he said.
“This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of His Majesty King Hamad, who has always believed that journalism is a genuine partner in the kingdom’s progress, and the continued patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and P rime Minister.”
He thanked His Majesty for his steadfast backing of the national Press and praised HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister’s patronage of the award, saying it reflected its growing stature in recognising creativity and professional excellence.
Congratulating the winners, Dr Al Nuaimi said the recognition should inspire journalists to continue raising professional standards and contribute to Bahrain’s ambitious development journey.
Bahrain Journalists Association chairman Isa Al Shaiji said the media’s role during the Iranian aggression demonstrated the professionalism, responsibility and patriotism that define Bahrain’s journalism sector.
“I am proud to convey the appreciation of Bahrain’s journalists to His Majesty and HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their continued support of the profession,” he said.
He praised the King’s directives to dedicate a national day for journalists and said that the patronage of the Prime Minister’s Journalism Award reflected the leadership’s enduring commitment to strengthening the media.
“This year Bahrain faced unprecedented Iranian aggression,” he said.
“Alongside the Bahrain Defence Force, the National Guard and the Interior Ministry, journalists were also on the frontline, ensuring facts prevailed over misinformation.
“Bahraini journalism has once again demonstrated that it is a sensible, responsible and professional media that always places the national interest first.”
Mr Al Shaiji also welcomed Bahrain’s Press and Electronic Media Law, introduced last year, describing it as an unprecedented step that supports the continued development of the kingdom’s media landscape.
Looking ahead, he called for the introduction of additional award categories, including one dedicated to English-language journalism to recognise the contribution of media outlets serving Bahrain’s diverse communities.
He also stressed that while artificial intelligence has become an important tool in modern journalism, ‘AI supports excellence and does not replace the role of human journalists and media professionals’.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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