Saint Petersburg: The Bahrain News Agency (BNA) participated in the 19th General Assembly of the Organisation of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA), hosted by Russia's TASS news agency in Saint Petersburg from June 19 to 20. The event gathered heads and directors of member news agencies, along with regional and international media organizations.
According to Bahrain News Agency, BNA was represented by its Director General, Abdullah Khalil Buhejji. The assembly focused on OANA's future agenda, exploring ways to enhance media cooperation, and strategies for developing news agencies. Discussions included training initiatives and the implementation of new technologies such as artificial intelligence and digital media.
Participants further examined methods to improve news content, distribution, and inter-agency cooperation, sharing insights on managing multi-platform newsrooms and adapting to evolving media industry changes.
During the meeting, BNA was elected to the OANA Executive Board, signifying recognition of Bahrain's proactive media role. The Director General expressed that BNA's election was a vote of confidence and a motivation to strengthen Bahrain's media presence regionally and internationally.
He emphasized OANA's importance in coordinating efforts among news agencies and facilitating expertise and content sharing. OANA comprises over 40 official news agencies from 33 countries across Asia, the Pacific, and the Middle East.
Founded in 1961 on UNESCO's initiative, OANA stands as the world's largest regional media group, dedicated to fostering mutual understanding and news exchange among its members.