Minister notes need for journalism at KUNA award ceremony

There is need for enlightened media, based on professionalism, for sake of coping with major events happening in the region and the world, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has said.
Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, also the First Deputy Prime Minister, was speaking on sidelines of a ceremony for winners of Sheikh Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah Award for Journalistic Excellence, Seventh Edition, held at KUNA's headquarters, late Wednesday.
The trophy bears name of a man who served his country and contributed to its development, said Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled, affirming that His Highness the Prime Minister has special care for the award.
For his part, Sheikh Mubarak Al-Duaij Al-Ibrahim Al-Sabah, KUNA's Board Chairman and Director General, welcomed Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled as representative of the award sponsor, noting that the award contributes to encouraging distinctive journalists in Kuwait.
Kuwaiti media, he said, enjoys factors of success, namely substantial freedoms, support from State establishments, and personalities that encourage the sector. It has helped in developing the country since middle of the past century, he said.
Ayman Al-Ali, the award chairman, affirmed the approach to encourage the youth to seek employment in the sector, noting that the award has dispatched winners to Lebanon and Qatar for participation in skills-sharpening courses and training. Al-Ali affirmed that journalism plays a constructive and positive role in the Kuwaiti society progress and development.
The winners were Khaled Al-Hattab (Al-Seyassah newspaper), news feature, coming first, followed by Muntaha Ajeel Al-Fadhli (KUNA), then came Mai Al-Sukari (Al-Qabas).
In interviews, Ghannam Saleh Al-Ghannam (Al-Qabas) came first, followed by Abdulaziz Kadhem (Afaq) and third came Mohammad Uqab (university students).
In photographing, the number-one winner was Raed Mustafa (Al-Jarida), second was Hamed Al-Amiri (KUNA) followed by his colleague Ahmad Al-Semadi.
In interviews for the youth category, first came Mahmoud Boushehri (KUNA), Hussein Al-Hirz (KUNA) and third came Ahmad Al-Suhail (Al-Rai). In newfeatures for the same category, Zahraa Al-Kahdemi (KUNA) was top, followed by Fawaz Al-Otaibi (KUNA). Third came Hamad Al-Mutairi (KUNA).
In audio services, the winner was Fayez Hussein of Kuwait Radio.