Senior Kuwaiti journalists have commended “leading” role of Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) as a “national professional institution,” which conveyed Kuwait’s voice to the whole world.
The journalists, in statements to KUNA a day after the agency celebrated its 45th anniversary, said the national news agency was “an incon in media.” They said they get the “reliable” news, specially local stories, from KUNA which made it the “trusted source” which published accurate and objective stories.
Fatma Hussain, Board Chairperson of Kuwait Journalists Association (KJA), said she was proud of KUNA’s contribution to media since its establishment 45 years ago.
Hussain said the national agency was keen on conveying a “national and responsible” message to the audience as well as highlighting Kuwait’s achievements at political, cultural, artistic and sport levels.
Ahmad Al-Jarallah, Chief Editor of Al-Seyassah daily, said KUNA’s started modest with limited capabilities, but developed to be fully fledged.
He said KUNA was distinguished with its photo service, and has been excelling in photo features, reports and features.
Waleed Al-Jassem, Chief Editor of Al-Rai daily newspaper, said relations between KUNA and local press were “old and deep-rooted,” since the agency was the official source of government news.
Al-Jassem said KUNA played a big part in reporting Arab and international stories amidst giant news agencies.
“KUNA was amongst these big agencies and did its part, and we still hope to see more of KUNA, which should use this anniversary to review its history in order to boost positivities and address negativities,” he said.
Specialized media is very important, said Al-Jassem, and KUNA could for example specialized in economy, the Gulf or youth.
“KUNA is a government agency so it is under the responsibility of the society which creates many hurdles, so it is compelled to make many considerations, but this is fine because it is not a private medium,” he said.
Waleed Al-Nsef, Chief Editor of daily Al-Qabas, said KUNA has been witnessing and was part of many local and regional events since its establishment.
KUNA, he added, helped cover many events around the world through its bureaus and correspondents in major capitals.
Al-Nesf commended the state-owned agency for the services it was providing for local newspapers before introduction of internet and social media.
Chief Editor of Al-Anbaa newspaper Yusuf Al-Marzouq said KUNA “has been a major part of our official media which we are proud of, and it is added value to honest and objective reporting.” Deputy Chief Editor of Al-Jarida newspaper Nasser Al-Otaibi said the anniversary of KUNA reflected 45 years of “seriousness, dedication and the desire to constantly improve, a history of credible news and objective reporting.” He said KUNA emerged stronger following the Iraqi invasion in 1990, and worked hard during the coronavirus pandemic despite the difficult conditions.
Dr. Zuhair Al-Abbad, Chief Editor of Kuwaitya newspaper and chairman of Kuwait Journalists union, said KUNA was the facade of Kuwaiti media whether it was conventional reporting or e-media.
KUNA is an important medium which offers many services to the audience, he said.
Abdullah Buftain, Deputy Chief Editor of English daily Kuwait Times, said KUNA contributed to documentation of Kuwait’s history in Arabic and English languages.
Kuwait was established by an Amiri Decree on October 6, 1976.
Source: Kuwait News Agency