Kuwait City: A number of editors-in-chief affirmed on Saturday that press freedom was a responsibility of national importance that supports overall development and is an important pillar in that aspect. Speaking to KUNA on World Press Freedom Day, celebrated annually on May 3, the top journalists affirmed that Kuwait had a long and illustrious history in media and press, saying that freedoms within journalism were constitutionally protected in the country, which is uniquely known to all people living in the region as well as the world. According to Kuwait News Agency, "Responsible freedom" is a unique concept within journalism, which is a cornerstone of the national press in Kuwait, asserted Waleed Al-Jassem, Editor-in-Chief of Al-Rai newspaper, in an interview. He stated that having the press without a ceiling for freedom would only lead to chaos, emphasizing that a journalist's job was to present the truth in a manner that protected society and ensured its best interest. The rules and regulations governing Kuwaiti media and press, whether visual, written, or audible, ensured freedom of the press without leading to hate speech or chaos, creating a unique balance and peace within society. Al-Jassem highlighted the responsibility of both private and public press and media institutes to protect responsible freedom without breaching laws and societal norms. He also spoke about the necessity of digital journalism, which has opened new horizons for the press and media, enabling them to reach more audiences beyond borders and restrictions. He emphasized that with this power comes great responsibility, urging journalists in Kuwait to think globally as their content reaches a wider audience. Nasser Al-Otaibi, Editor-In-Chief of Al-Jareeda newspaper, remarked that press without freedom resembles a body without a soul, arguing that lack of freedom reduces journalists to paper tigers rather than truth-bearers. He also mentioned the courage of journalists in danger zones, especially in the Gaza Strip, who are targeted for revealing the brutality of the Israeli occupation. Al-Otaibi called on authorities to ensure journalists' safety and protect them from unlawful targeting, noting that nine out of ten cases of journalist killings go unpunished. Dr. Barakat Al-Hudaiban, Editor-in-Chief of Al-Sabah newspaper and chairman of Al-Sabah news channel, emphasized that balancing freedom and social responsibility is the ultimate goal of a journalist. He acknowledged the challenges journalists face, such as finding reliable sources and ensuring accuracy. Al-Hudaiban praised Kuwait's progress in setting regulations for electronic and digital media, despite its infancy. Since the 1920s, Kuwaiti press and writers have been at the forefront of defending freedom of speech and conveying truths professionally. In the digital age, press and journalism remain a global responsibility, extending beyond national boundaries.
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