Speaker Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam recently praised the vital role of Bahrain’s national press in supporting parliamentary activities. He commended the media’s dedication to covering Bahrain’s ongoing development under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and with the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The Speaker’s remarks came during a meeting with representatives from Al Ayam newspaper, aimed at fostering collaboration and ensuring a transparent, productive relationship between the Council and the media.
The meeting with Al Ayam newspaper followed a report describing an incident where one of its journalists encountered difficulty accessing the press room during a parliamentary session. The journalist was directed to the Speaker’s office and asked to wait but was ultimately unable to attend the session. In response to this incident, Speaker Al Musallam engaged in open dialogue with Al Ayam’s Editor-in-Chief, Isa Al Shayji, and other representatives to address the issue and reinforce open channels of communication between the parliament and the media.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of strong media relations in the functioning of parliamentary activities. By addressing concerns raised by media outlets such as Al Ayam, the Speaker seeks to ensure that journalists can effectively cover parliamentary sessions and contribute to the transparency and accountability of government affairs. In recognizing the role of the press in promoting civic engagement and public awareness, Speaker Al Musallam emphasizes the need for cooperation and mutual understanding between the parliament and the media.
The meeting with Al Ayam newspaper also highlighted the commitment of Bahrain’s national press to upholding journalistic integrity and reporting on issues of public interest. By fostering collaboration with media outlets, the Speaker aims to strengthen the relationship between the Council and the media, ensuring that journalists have the access and support they need to cover parliamentary activities effectively. This commitment to transparency and open communication reflects Bahrain’s dedication to promoting a free and independent press that plays a key role in fostering democracy and accountability.
Speaker Al Musallam’s engagement with Al Ayam newspaper showcases the importance of addressing incidents and concerns raised by the media in a constructive and proactive manner. By acknowledging the challenges faced by journalists and working to resolve issues such as access to parliamentary sessions, the Speaker demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that the media can fulfill its role as a watchdog and informer of the public. In fostering a culture of open dialogue and collaboration, the parliament can build trust and credibility with the press, ultimately benefiting the public by promoting transparency and accountability in government.
In conclusion, Speaker Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam’s recognition of the vital role of Bahrain’s national press in supporting parliamentary activities highlights the importance of strong media relations in promoting transparency and accountability in government affairs. By engaging in open dialogue with media outlets such as Al Ayam newspaper, the Speaker seeks to address concerns and foster collaboration, ensuring that journalists can effectively cover parliamentary sessions and contribute to public awareness. By strengthening the relationship between the parliament and the media, Bahrain demonstrates its commitment to promoting a free and independent press that plays a critical role in promoting democracy and good governance.