On its silver jubilee, BJA plays leading role in developing press sector
Manama, May 30 (BNA): The Bahraini press and media community is celebrating the silver jubilee of the Bahrain Journalists Association (BJA), which is one of the achievements of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s comprehensive development under His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
Journalists and media professionals in Bahrain mark this occasion with pride and appreciation for the progress made by Bahraini journalism and its historic role in raising awareness and inspiring generations of journalists and thinkers in the region, from the early pioneers to today’s digital media.
Over the past 25 years, Bahraini journalism has become a main pillar supporting the country’s development, thanks to the support of His Majesty the King and the continuous attention of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Royal directives to develop and support the press sector and freedom of expression have provided a clear path for the growth of Bahraini media, enabling the national press to serve the Kingdom and its people, and giving journalists the space to work responsibly and creatively, while upholding community values and the freedoms guaranteed by the constitution.
Bahraini journalism, through its diverse institutions, has become a respected face of national media reflecting Bahrain’s identity and heritage with professionalism, integrity, and transparency.
Through cooperation with various media institutions, the BJA has played a leading role in developing the media landscape, supporting and training national talent, and establishing itself as a professional body with a strong presence locally, regionally, and internationally. The Association’s leadership continues to advance the profession, represent Bahraini journalists, and promote professional and ethical standards.
To achieve these goals, the BJA has worked closely with the Ministry of Information and media institutions to support national journalism and help it keep pace with rapid digital developments.
The Association was also a key partner in amending the "Press, Printing, and Publishing Law" (Decree Law No. 47 of 2002), which was approved by the House of Representatives and is expected to be reviewed by the Shura Council. This aims to create a more modern legal environment for the media sector and reflects Bahrain’s commitment to freedom of expression.
Marking its 25th anniversary, the BJA launched its silver jubilee logo in April, highlighting this milestone in its history and the history of Bahraini journalism, and reflecting Bahrain’s progress under the leadership of His Majesty the King over the past 25 years.
The Association was established under the Law on Associations and Clubs (Decree Law No. 21 of 1989) and was officially registered in 1991. The first board was formed in 2000, chaired by Nabeel bin Yaqoub Al Hamer, with Khalid bin Abdullah Al Zayani as vice chair. Since then, several prominent journalists and editors have led the BJA, elected every two years.
The current board (2023–2025) is chaired by Isa Al Shayji, Editor-in-Chief of Al Ayam newspaper.
The BJA is committed to promoting professional values such as integrity and objectivity, protecting journalists’ rights, and ensuring their freedom to do their work.
The Assocoiation also cooperates with Arab and international journalist unions and associations to develop the profession, uphold its traditions and ethics, and organise workshops and training to raise professional and technical standards in journalism and modern digital media.
