Media establishments' adherence to neutrality and objectivity in covering events is the best way to earn respect among their audience, Bahrain Information Affairs Authority (IAA) president Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa asserted.

He said the kingdom's doors are wide open for all media institutions, in line with the principles of freedom and transparency prevailing in Bahrain during the prosperous era of His Majesty King Hamad.

Shaikh Fawaz made the comments during a visit to the headquarters of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) where he met its editor-in-chief Fares Khouri and other officials.

He also lauded the BBC's advanced level, departments, facilities and technical equipment, reiterating IAA's keen interest to avail of Arab and international media experiences to boost the media sector in the Kingdom.

He also said the Bahraini media has made qualitative leaps towards consolidating freedom of opinion and upgrading the media cadres' competency and professionalism, reflecting the goals set by the pioneering Royal Reform Project that revolutionised the media and Press in the Kingdom.

"The kingdom is a constitutional monarchy in which freedom of expression is ensured and protected by laws and regulations," Shaikh Fawaz said in a live statement on BBC.-TradeArabia News Service