BJA launches national initiative to employ dismissed journalists

Bahrain Journalists Association (BJA) President Ahdeya Ahmed has announced the launch of an initiative to re-employ journalists who had been dismissed.

The association will receive the journalists’ requests and CVs and will coordinate with private sector institutions and companies to find them jobs that are commensurate with their academic qualifications and practical experience in the field of journalism, she said. “There are vacant positions in the public relations department in a number of institutions that would be appropriate for former journalists,” she said.

“Many journalists who lost their jobs are now working in companies doing jobs that do not match their experience and their status within the Fourth Estate. Journalists are needed in various governmental institutions and they should be given priority in the recruitment process.” The experience they had gained in their field work will contribute to raising the level of media work within the institutions in line with the aspirations of citizens, she added.

“The jobs that the association seeks to provide are consistent with the status of journalists and preserve their dignity and prestige. It is unacceptable to employ a journalist as a watchman for instance,” Ahdeya said.

The issue of finding appropriate jobs for journalists is a priority for the board of the association and all requests will be considered. Companies and private sector institutions are urged to initiate contact with the association to explain the suitable vacancies they have, she added.