On World Press Freedom Day, Kuwaiti media professionals underscore their dedication to responsible journalism
Firing Up the Press:
On the global celebration of World Press Freedom Day, local newspaper editors-in-chief went all guns blazing, stressing the necessity of press freedom as a sacred duty for stability and growth on May 3. Here's what the veterans of the press had to say to KUNA.
Kuwait's media history gleams with glory, as they champion freedom of speech and journalism. Alluding to their country's democratic tenets, these editors reinforced the fact that press freedom stems from their constitution.
Stepping up to the mic, Waleed Al-Jassem from Al-Rai newspaper reminded us that freedom, while essential, should be tempered with responsibility. Unbridled expression sans boundaries would only create chaos, he warned. A journalist's task is to reveal the truth without causing social discord.
Al-Jassem pointed out that Kuwaiti media regulations enforce a delicate balance between freedom of expression and protection against hate speech and chaos. This delicate equilibrium fosters social peace and encapsulates the distinctive balance within Kuwaiti society.
He also spoke about the evolving media landscape, particularly digital media. While digital technology offers expanded reach, it requires heightened responsibility, as the impact of a journalist's words, images, and videos are now felt globally.
In a world drowning in misinformation, it's never been more crucial for journalists to challenge falsities and persist in seeking truth. A fearless, principled, and unyielding journalist is the cornerstone of a democracy, Al-Jassem affirmed.
With similar conviction, Nasser Al-Otaibi, Editor-in-Chief of Al-Jareeda newspaper, referred to press freedom as the very soul of journalism. Without it, journalists become mere puppets. Al-Otaibi, echoing Al-Jassem's sentiments, acknowledged the importance of World Press Freedom Day as a platform to honor the bravery of journalists, especially those risking life and limb in hotspots like Gaza to expose injustices.
He voiced his concern that only 10% of journalist killings ever see the light of justice, urging world leaders to safeguard the safety and rights of journalists everywhere.
Dr. Barakat Al-Hudaiban from Al-Sabah newspaper added his insights. In his view, journalism is all about striking a balance between freedom and social responsibility. Negligent journalism, he cautioned, could cause grave consequences not only for society but for the planet as a whole.
He commended Kuwait's progress in regulating digital media, considering it a relatively new field. Looking back at the 1920s, he emphasized how Kuwaiti journalists and writers have long led the charge in defending free speech and ethical reporting.
As we traverse the digital era, Dr. Al-Hudaiban believes, journalism transcends geographic borders with its duties and responsibilities. In essence, it's no longer a local issue but a global challenge.
In the Know:
- Kuwait's media functions under regulations that safeguard freedom and accountability, preventing hate speech and disorder.
- Journalists play a critical role in exposing corruption and ensuring proper governance.
- The media community continues to call for increased access to information to boost transparency and trust.
- Ethics and social responsibility are pivotal guiding factors for journalists.
[1] Al-Sabah newspaper and Al-Sabah News Channel[2] Al-Rai newspaper[3] Al-Jareeda newspaper[4] Kuwait Information Alliance (KIA)
- Waleed Al-Jassem from Al-Rai newspaper, in his speech, emphasized the need for a balanced approach in journalism, stating that while freedom is essential, it should be tempered with responsibility to avoid creating chaos and social discord.
- Nasser Al-Otaibi, Editor-in-Chief of Al-Jareeda newspaper, underscored the significance of press freedom as the lifeblood of journalism, warning that without it, journalists may lose their autonomy and become mere puppets.
- Dr. Barakat Al-Hudaiban, representing Al-Sabah newspaper, spoke about the importance of striking a balance between freedom and accountability in journalism, stressing that negligent journalism could have severe consequences, affecting not only society but also the planet as a whole.
- Al-Hudaiban also highlighted Kuwait's progress in regulating digital media, considering it a relatively new field, and looking back at the 1920s, he emphasized the long-standing role of Kuwaiti journalists and writers in fighting for free speech and ethical reporting.
- In the global digital era, Al-Hudaiban believes that journalism is no longer a local matter but a global challenge, transcending geographic borders with its duties and responsibilities.
