On World Press Freedom Day, Kuwaiti journalists reaffirm commitment to responsible media

As the world commemorates the World Press Freedom Day on May 3, several editors-in-chief of local newspapers emphasized on Saturday that press freedom is a crucial national responsibility, playing a key role in supporting overall development.

Speaking to KUNA on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day the veteran journalists highlighted Kuwait’s distinguished legacy in media and journalism, underscoring that press freedoms are enshrined in the country’s constitution.

They noted that Kuwait is well known across the region and beyond for its commitment to journalistic freedom.

Waleed Al-Jassem, Editor-in-Chief of Al-Rai newspaper, told KUNA that “responsible freedom” is a foundational concept in Kuwaiti journalism. He stressed that unlimited press freedom without boundaries would only lead to chaos. A journalist’s duty, he said, is to present the truth responsibly, safeguarding societal harmony and the public interest.

Al-Jassem noted that Kuwait’s media regulations—whether in print, broadcast, or digital—ensure a careful balance between freedom of expression and protection from hate speech and disorder. This framework, he added, maintains social peace and reflects the unique balance within Kuwaiti society.

He further stated that both public and private media institutions share a profound responsibility to uphold freedom within the confines of the law and social norms. Speaking on the evolution of journalism, Al-Jassem described digital media as essential in today’s landscape, opening new horizons and extending reach beyond borders. However, he cautioned that this broader reach demands a heightened sense of responsibility, as journalists’ words, images, and videos now impact global audiences.

In an era of digital proliferation, refuting misinformation, pursuing truth, and verifying facts are more critical than ever, he said. A journalist must be fearless, principled, and committed to fighting corruption through every available means.

Nasser Al-Otaibi, Editor-in-Chief of Al-Jareeda newspaper, echoed similar sentiments. He described press freedom as the soul of journalism, asserting that without it, journalists become mere figureheads rather than truth-tellers. Al-Otaibi emphasized the importance of World Press Freedom Day as a moment to honor journalists’ courage—particularly those in conflict zones like Gaza, where media professionals are often targeted for exposing injustices.

He lamented that in 90% of journalist killings, perpetrators go unpunished, and called on global leaders to uphold the safety and rights of journalists everywhere.

Dr. Barakat Al-Hudaiban, Editor-in-Chief of Al-Sabah newspaper and Chairman of Al-Sabah News Channel, stressed that the essence of journalism lies in balancing freedom with social responsibility. He warned that reckless journalism could have serious consequences for both society and the world at large.

Dr. Al-Hudaiban acknowledged the many challenges facing modern journalism—chief among them being the need to verify sources and ensure accurate reporting. He praised Kuwait’s recent progress in regulating electronic and digital media, despite the relative novelty of the field.

Tracing back to the 1920s, he noted that Kuwaiti journalists and writers have long stood at the forefront of defending free speech and delivering truthful reporting with professionalism. In the digital age, he concluded, journalism is not just a local duty, but a global responsibility.