Government launches strategy to strengthen media independence, global reach

The Minister of Government Communication, Mohammed Momani, unveiled a new direction for the country’s media sector on Monday, outlining plans to modernize content, strengthen media independence, and foster greater collaboration.

Speaking to a group of news editors and senior media executives, Momani emphasized that these initiatives are part of a broader national modernization drive, which includes key reforms across political, economic, and administrative areas, Jordan News Agency (Petra) reported.

As the government’s spokesperson, Momani announced the formation of specialized working groups tasked with tackling the sector’s most pressing challenges. These teams will be responsible for developing actionable solutions aimed at enhancing the media’s sustainability and global competitiveness. A key aspect of this strategy, according to Momani, will be maintaining an ongoing dialogue with media stakeholders to ensure transparency and inclusivity throughout the reform process.

“Our vision is to create a modern and robust media landscape that can effectively project Jordan’s narrative on both regional and international platforms,” Momani stated. “By developing a clear framework for national media, spanning print, broadcast, and digital, we aim to ensure our media reflects the country’s aspirations and strengthens its presence on the global stage.”

Momani highlighted that these reforms are designed to protect the media’s independence, asserting that the government’s role is to support the free flow of information. He also emphasized the importance of empowering media outlets to operate autonomously while staying responsive to evolving global media trends.

Addressing the growing financial strain on traditional newspapers, the minister urged publishers to accelerate their transition toward digital-first models.

“As audiences increasingly turn to digital platforms, our media must adapt to remain relevant,” Momani said. He assured that the government is revisiting its policies to provide better support for this digital transformation while upholding high standards of journalism.

The gathering, which was also attended by Zaid Nawiseh, the Ministry’s Secretary General, delved into the financial challenges faced by the industry. Executives raised concerns over advertising revenue and the equitable distribution of government and judicial notices, which have long been a critical income source for traditional media outlets.

Participants called for regular consultations with the government to address these financial hurdles and find solutions to shifting business models. Among the proposals was a more comprehensive media strategy to refine regulatory frameworks, including a review of intellectual property protections to safeguard original content in the digital age.

The executives present also underscored the crucial role that traditional media continues to play in documenting Jordan’s political position and diplomatic efforts, particularly under King Abdullah II’s leadership.