According to the Public Relations and International Affairs of the Kish Free Zone Organization, the Journalists' Day commemoration ceremony was held on Thursday, 6 August, with the presence of media representatives, the CEO and deputies of the Kish Free Zone Organization, and the CEOs of subsidiary companies at the Kish International Convention Center.
In this ceremony, Mohammad Kabiri, congratulating Journalists' Day, described journalists as "the vigilant eyes of society" and the media as "the bridge between the people and the government," and said: At a time when the country is facing the toughest days in recent decades, we need more than ever solidarity, honesty, dialogue, and avoidance of political hostage-taking.
Referring to the role of local and independent media in conveying the people's demands, he stated: Media not only play a role in correctly reflecting the problems and demands of society, but can also, through constructive criticism, help reform affairs and strengthen public trust. If we do not speak of the people's pain, it is a mistake; but the important thing is that criticism be precise, fair, and reform-oriented.
The CEO of the Kish Free Zone Organization considered accepting differing viewpoints within the framework of national interests the key to growth and prosperity and added: The honesty of officials alongside the trust and cooperation of the people is the most important capital for passing through difficult economic conditions and recent developments in the country. Unity, rationality, and honesty are the keys to overcoming crises, and solving the country's and Kish's problems is not possible without comprehensive participation.
The "Unity" Government; an Approach Based on Honesty and Realism
In a significant part of his remarks, Kabiri, praising the conduct and approach of the President, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, called him a great asset for the country and emphasized: The fourteenth government does not intend to sell an illusory future to the people. The government's approach is honesty with the people and acceptance of existing realities.
Referring to the difficult economic conditions resulting from the war period and sanctions, he stressed the necessity of "unity" to heal the country's economic wounds and added: As the President also always emphasizes, officials should not have an attitude of superiority toward the people. The path out of crises is the participation of everyone and the synergizing of all the country's capacities; because solving the country's major problems will not be possible without the cooperation and participation of the people.
The CEO of the Kish Free Zone Organization continued: In a unity government, anyone with any taste or ideological inclination, provided they are concerned about Iran, can play a role in the path of the country's growth and prosperity. Differences of opinion are not a threat but an opportunity to enrich decisions.
Protecting the Kish Brand with Honest Information Dissemination
Kabiri, emphasizing the importance of the media's role in preserving the island's credibility, said: Independent media are a strategic asset for advancing development goals and protecting the Kish brand. Kish cannot follow the path of sustainable development without informed, responsible, and professional media.
He added: Kish journalists play an important role in creating a balance between reflecting the people's demands and protecting the island's brand. Media criticism, if done fairly and within the framework of public interests, is not a threat; rather it is a valuable opportunity to improve managers' performance and reform processes.
The CEO of the Kish Free Zone Organization, referring to the paradigm shift in information dissemination in the age of social networks, stressed the importance of the authority of official media in identifying correct news and guiding public opinion and said: Professional media must, through honest, accurate, and responsible reporting, while realistically reflecting issues, also protect the island's credibility and identity.
Planning for the Sustainability of Support Packages for Kish Journalists
Kabiri in another part of his remarks announced the transformation of temporary supports for journalists into sustainable mechanisms and stated: The issue of journalists' supplementary insurance is being pursued with the aim of creating a systematic approach so that supports are not limited to discretionary and temporary decisions.
He added: Journalists will be included in the list of beneficiaries of "service housing" by officially introducing the Press House, and efforts will be made to fully operationalize their housing deposit by the end of this year.
The CEO of the Kish Free Zone Organization also announced the allocation and equipping of a "media center" or a shared workspace dedicated to the media and said: This space, supported by the Organization, can become a center for professional interaction, synergy, and media content production. The Kish Free Zone Organization is fully prepared to create more suitable platforms for media activity and to cooperate with IRIB, journalists, and virtual space activists.
Support for the Formation of a Comprehensive Dialogue Council
The CEO of the Kish Free Zone Organization, emphasizing the necessity of strengthening social participation, stated: The Organization supports the formation of a "comprehensive and elective dialogue council" so that genuine representation of all segments of Kish society in decision-making is realized.
He also stressed the importance of national branding of Kish and, while appreciating the cooperation of IRIB, said: Increasing the production of television programs to introduce the island's attractions and attract tourists can help strengthen Kish's position as one of the country's most important tourist and economic destinations.
Kabiri concluded by thanking the efforts of journalists and media activists of the island and noted: We hope that with the continuation of dialogue between the Organization's management, media representatives, and economic activists, Kish can pass this difficult period with dignity and cohesion and preserve its position.
At the end of the ceremony, the media activists' efforts and also Sadegh Jafari, the former Public Relations Director of Kish Investment and Development Company, were honored in recognition of his effective services during his tenure.