Amidst confirmations of the excellence of the Kuwaiti media and the margin of freedom it enjoys compared to the regional environment, participants in the workshop “Media Integrity and Professionalism in Journalistic Work,” held by the Ministry of Information in cooperation with the Anti-Corruption Public Authority, emphasized the necessity of lifting the restrictions on journalistic work.
The Al-Rai daily highlighted the challenges faced by those working in the journalism profession, describing it as akin to navigating through a minefield due to the impact of approximately eight laws that journalists are subjected to.
Saad Nafel Al-Azmi, the Assistant Undersecretary for the Media Services Sector and New Media at the Ministry of Information, and member of the Supreme Committee for Leadership and Coordination of Kuwait’s Strategy for Promoting Integrity, considered the workshop as an opportunity to deepen understanding and exchange opinions on ways to enhance media integrity.
Al-Azmi emphasized that “the credibility of the media is one of the basic pillars” and stated that the Ministry of Information is intensifying its efforts to promote media integrity and combat corruption. Initiatives and training courses are being launched to enhance these values and raise awareness, which in turn requires additional responsibilities to verify the authenticity of information before publication.
He further emphasized that integrity is the foundation for building trust among the public and reducing the spread of incorrect news.
Abrar Al-Hammad, the Assistant Secretary-General for the Prevention Sector, highlighted the increased international and local efforts to combat corruption through measures aimed at raising awareness of its dangers. She emphasized the crucial role of the media as a mirror of society and stressed that media conscience represents one of the most important components of society.
Al-Hammad explained that the Kuwaiti press has a significant impact and one of its roles is to foster a culture of integrity. She pointed out that the Anti-Corruption Public Authority relies on raising awareness of the dangers of corruption, and the workshop serves as one of the means to achieve that goal.
Manal Al-Baghdadi, the Assistant Undersecretary for Legal Affairs at the Ministry of Information, confirmed the existence of numerous laws that regulate the work of the media since the establishment of the Ministry of Information. These laws encompass print, publishing, visual, audio, and electronic media, with the overarching principle being freedom, and restrictions being the exception.
Al-Baghdadi specifically mentioned the Children’s Law, issued in 2015, which imposes penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for anyone using a child as a media outlet for circulation. The fine may reach up to 50,000 dinars, serving as a preliminary ruling in the event of a violation of this law.
She further explained that even if a guardian mistreats a child, they expose themselves to punishment according to this law, with the judiciary considering each case based on its circumstances. Al-Baghdadi highlighted that various bodies, such as the Ministries of Health, Information, and Interior, are responsible for implementing the Children’s Law in their respective fields.
Al-Baghdadi posed a thought-provoking question, asking, “Who among us would agree to have their child photographed without permission?” This question emphasizes the importance of protecting children’s rights and privacy in the media.
The workshop on media integrity and professionalism in Kuwait serves as a platform for open discussions and the exchange of ideas to enhance the media landscape and combat corruption. By addressing the challenges faced by journalists and emphasizing the importance of integrity, Kuwait aims to foster a media environment that upholds the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.
Source: TimesKuwait
