Page 323 - Bahrain Gov annual reports (V a)_Neat

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Plans for 1956 include increase of hours, further new programmes and the recruitment of
an assistant Director of Broadcasting, to assist Mr. Kanoo, and a technician. At the moment
the Director is working very long hours, and has many responsibilities, and it is felt that it
would lighten his burden considerably if there was an assistant. The Engineer is required not
only to run and service the equipment, at present done by Cable and Wireless Ltd., but also to
take over the recordings, etc., and leave Mr. Abd A1 Rahman to work on the programmes,
particularly those concerned with news, news talks, etc.
(b) The Gazette.
It was not till 1956 that the Department took over complete control of the Official Gazette,
but during 1955 this Department was responsible for providing much material for publication,
t was felt that one of the causes for criticism of Government Departments by the public
I was ignorance of what they were actually doing, and for this reason a new section was
started in the Gazette entitled “News of the Departments.” It was the intention that through
the media of this section, the various Departments would keep the public informed of their
activities, plans and projects. This aim was partly fulfilled, but there was a tendency in the
Departments to grow lax in providing material, though the purpose of the section was to
improve their relations with the public and it was to their own interest to do this.

(c) Bahrain Letter.
During 1955 the Bahrain Letter first appeared, an occasional publication dealing with
such events as the New Harbour, opening of the T.B. Hospital, the elections, etc. This publi­
cation was primarily intended for the press, and a number of Arab and European papers
published the material as well as photographs.

(d) The Press.
Attempts were made to co-operate with the local press by providing them with news and
in passing on to the Departments criticism or suggestions that affected them. The replies from
departments were referred to the papers concerned. On the whole this was successful, although
during the year major political issues tended to overshadow these somewhat minor matters.

(e) Publicity and Information.
A considerable number of works of reference, including the Encyclopeadia Britannica
Atlas, Stateman’s Yearbook, Whitakers, etc., now depend on this Department for their infor­
mation concerning Bahrain. In addition, the Department keeps in touch with works of reference
and the press, pointing out and correcting where necessary incorrect information about Bahrain.
(0 Visitors to Bahrain.
Many visitors, including representatives of the press, now visit Bahrain, particularly in
the winter months, and it is one of the duties of the Department to deal with these visitors,
showing them activities of the Gpvernment and providing them with up-to-date statistics on
Bahrain.

(g) Suggestions.
Many suggestions are received from members of the public concerning various matters;
when they are received they are passed on to the relevant Department, Company or person
for action. Persons making suggestions are always answered in writing and if the suggestions
are not accepted the reasons for their non-acceptance are stated.

These have been the main activities of the Public Relations Department during its first
year of existence, and it is hoped that 1956 will see considerable expansion in its activities.