Manama, Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, Speaker of the Council of Representatives, lauded the pivotal role Bahraini journalism plays and its sincere efforts to enlighten public opinion and professionally exercise responsible freedom of opinion and expression. The Speaker highlighted the role of the press in highlightinge national successes, as an essential partner in the comprehensive development process. He noted the support received by the press from His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The statement of the speaker came following the eighth edition of the Prime Minister's Award for Journalism, held on Sunday, under the patronage of the Deputy King His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. He noted that Bahraini journalism contributed significantly to defending the nationan and its achievements and in conveying information to the citizen. He said it served as a true mirror of society and an honest expr ession of its aspirations. Speaker Al Musallam commended the ongoing efforts in promoting the status of Bahraini journalists, through the endeavours of the pioneers, journalistic institutions and those working in different media specialties, who are an active element within Team Bahrain. He also indicated that holding the eight edition of the Prime Minister's Award for Journalism in its "eighth edition" coincides with the Silver Jubilee of the Accession of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa as well as declaring Manama the Capital of Arab Media 2024. He added that this reflects progress achieved by the Bahraini media. Al Musallam congratulated the winners and the Editor-in-Chief of Akhbar Al Khaleej, Anwar Abdulrahman, who was awarded Journalist of the Year Award, in recognition of his efforts throughout his career and his contributions to journalism. Al Musallam expressed his appreciation to Dr Ramzan bin Abdallah Al Nuaimi, the Information Minister, for his constant support for Bahraini journalism and collaboration with the Bahrain Journalist Association (BJA). He pointed that giving opportunities to students in media and journalism colleges in Bahraini universities helps support the youth in those fields and motivates creativity and development at all journalistic and media platforms. The Speaker highlighted the support for Bahrani Journalism by legislative authorities and the pride and appreciation of the Council of Representatives for the efforts of all journalists, writers and workers in the press and media fields in highlighting the work of the Council for public opinion, and as an effective and vital link between the representative and the citizen. Source: Bahrain News Agency