Al Mulki: Jordan government committed to supporting the Kingdom's media

Jordan

Published: 2017-06-16 13:41

Last Updated: 2024-03-28 18:54


Al Mulki said the government respects and appreciates the role of the Jordanian media and press. (Photo courtesy of Petra)
Al Mulki said the government respects and appreciates the role of the Jordanian media and press. (Photo courtesy of Petra)

Jordan’s Prime Minister Hani Al Mulki said the government, under the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah II, will support the Jordan Press Association (JPA) in its efforts to develop the journalistic profession and improve conditions of the association's members, Petra news reported.

At a meeting with President of the JPA, Rakan Rakan Saaideh, alongside members of the association's council and State Minister for Media Affairs Mohammad Momani, Al Mulki said the government respects and appreciates the role of the Jordanian media and press, as a platform to highlight national accomplishments and enhancing the progress of reforms.

"The government believes in the importance of providing information to all journalists and citizens as it their right," he said, affirming that the government has nothing to hide. However, he requested that the press ensure that information is verified before publishing figures that could falsely give negative impression of an issue.

The prime minister added that the government is open to any proposals to help the JPA in developing the profession, maximizing accomplishments and reaching solutions to problems facing some daily newspapers.

President of the association, Rakan Saaideh, spoke about major problems and challenges facing journalists including regulating the profession, the financial difficulties facing employees at newspapers as well as Jordan Radio and Television Corporation and Jordan News Agency, Petra.

According to the World Press Freedom Index, Jordan’s press freedom ranking dropped by three places in 2016 when compared to 2015. The index, published by Reporters Without Borders, showed that Jordan’s 2016 ranking dropped from 138th place.

“Jordan’s media take care to observe the limitations set by the authorities. The authorities have stepped up control, especially over the Internet, since 2012, when the press and publications law was overhauled,” the index indicated.

Hundreds of websites have been blocked since 2013 because they do not have a license and security grounds are often used to prosecute and sometimes jail journalists ‘under an extremely vague terrorism law,’ the index said.

Additionally, gag orders issued by the Media Commission restrict public debate and limit journalists’ access to information on sensitive issues, according to the report.