Veteran media professionals commended the influential and pivotal role of Bahrain TV since its inception in 1973 which contributed to shaping the social mindset, through quality production covering political, economic, social, sport and cultural fields.
These dedicated efforts have enabled Bahrain TV to leave a mark in people’s memory through iconic programmes, drama and entertainment shows, they said.
They shared their cherished memories with Bahrain News Agency (BNA) as Bahrain TV marks the 50th anniversary (Golden Jubilee) of its inception in 1973.
They paid homage to generations of media professionals, presenters, anchors, directors and technicians who contributed, through their devotion, to enhancing the standing of Bahrain TV through iconic works that remained engraved in Bahrain’s memory, which epitomised national identity and valued heritage and succeeded in overcoming challenges, keeping abreast of technical developments.
These efforts paid off, enabling Bahrain TV to emerge as one of the most developed TV services in the Arab region, they said, taking pride in belonging to this national entity.
They highlighted Bahrain’s TV work strides over the past years, paying tribute to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for his support to the media sector in recognition of its essential role in supporting Bahrain’s wide-ranging development momentum.
They stressed the importance of media in highlighting hard-won national achievements in the fields of human rights, economic growth and social progress.
They also commended the role of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister in supporting the national media, being an influential partner in supporting development efforts across all fields.
Speaking to BNA, veteran news anchor Ali Al Thawadi said that the past fifty years represented shining phases in the history of Bahrain and its media pioneering standing.
He seized the occasion to pay homage to all Bahrain media professionals and officials who witnessed the establishment of "Bahrain TV" since its inception, and assumed their responsibility and succeeded in laying the foundations of an exclusive Bahraini school in television work, which has become over years a source of inspiration for the younger generations.
Since its inception, Bahrain TV proved its capability, granting Bahrain a trailblazing status, being the first TV color broadcasting in 1973, he said.
He highlighted the role of Bahrain TV as an incubator of innovation and creativity, sparing no effort to embody the national identity that cemented social cohesion, highlighted achievement milestones, projected Bahrain’s strides to the world, in addition to entertaining viewers and fostering tolerant religious values, shaping minds and promoting lofty morals.
"Bahrain TV has gone, over the past 50 years, through many stages, and has shown its ability to keep abreast of technological and broadcasting strides, each phase hitting a milestone in its history, from traditional broadcasting technique to its modern and full-fledged form", he said, adding that Bahrain TV remained since its birth, committed to satisfying viewers, refining tastes and adhering to moral values and authentic values.
He stressed the importance of engaging the private sector which, he said, will enrich TV production, support national cadres and bolster Bahrain TV’s competitiveness amid global strides and the flourishing social media that attract substantial numbers of viewers, particularly youngsters.
However, television will remain the most credible and objective source of accurate information and provider of scientific material and sound entertainment that cater to all tastes.
Media figure Hend Karam saluted Bahrain TV on this Golden Jubilee, that celebrates the advent of the first color TV broadcasting in the region, noting the landmark media achievements which have been attained since then, chartering success stories despite all challenges.
In a statement to BNA, she paid tribute to generations of pioneers who laid the foundations of the history of TV broadcasting in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
She said that during her 25-year media career in the Ministry of Information, she had worked with three generations in news, TV and radio, before moving now to Bahrain News Agency.
BTV has all along these years achieved tangible strides in delivering programmes that valued national identity and heritage, while embracing modern media and keeping abreast of changes and developments.
She highlighted Bahrain TV’s strides, whether regarding technologies or skilled and specialised media professionals who were inspired by older generations who set a role model through their devotion that enriched the press and media in Bahrain and the Arab region.
She saw a bright future the future of the media in the Kingdom of Bahrain, thanks to strategic planning, optimised young and promising human resources and competencies that continuously hone their skills through training on cutting-edge technologies, stressing the importance of achieve sustainability in all media sectors.
Former Bahrain TV director Fathi Matar said that this Golden Jubilee is an opportunity to recall outstanding achievements and shining marks over the past years.
"Throughout its history, "Bahrain TV" presented a national media and embarked on dramatic production that attracted audience whether in Bahrain of the Arabian Gulf region", he said, noting that Bahrain TV has also proven its ability to face changes and challenges and keep up with everything new.
Abdulilah Mohammed Ahmed, who had worked at the Ministry of Information for over 45 years, said that celebrating 50 years of TV broadcasting is a source of pride for all those who have worked in the vital sector.
"This Golden Jubilee is also an opportunity to shed light on a chapter of the national history and inform the young generations about pioneers’ efforts and contributions", he said, noting that he had worked, during his long professional career, with generations of officials, professionals, hailing their one-team spirit to brave challenges, serve Bahrain and achieve goals set out.
Retired news photographer Ahmed Mahmoud Al Ali said that the 50-year milestone is not only an occasion for media and TV professionals, but it is also a defining mark in the history of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
"The inception of the Bahrain TV broadcasting was a crucial phase which remained engraved in national historical annals and one of Bahrain’s achievements, with the kingdom becoming one of the first Gulf countries to embark on radio and TV broadcasting in the region.
Source: Bahrain News Agency