ESC opens national media and communication policy dialogue session

AMMAN — The Economic and Social Council (ESC) on Sunday initiated a national dialogue session on government media and communication policy and broadening the perspective of Jordan’s media landscape.

The dialogue session emphasised the pivotal role of media policy in regulating and directing all types of media outlets, as well as in leveraging public communication and achieving transparency.

Addressing the meeting, Minister of Government Communications Faisal Shboul said: “Public policy for government media and communication comes as part of the government’s comprehensive reform and modernisation efforts.” 

Shboul noted that the ministry acts as a source of support for the Jordanian media, and reiterated the crucial role of the media in preserving democracy and monitoring government performance.

A document prepared by the Ministry of Government Communication was presented during the meeting to serve as a starting point for discussions related to media and information. By drafting of a national media and communication policy, the ministry is working to bring about a novel set of mechanisms to encourage public debate, support entrepreneurial media productions and build concrete media plans.

The policy supports communication between the public and the media, the assessment of media practices and related legislation through open communication, the provision of a supportive legal and political environment to public and private news outlets and the development of legislation regulating social media platforms at the local and regional level. 

Ultimately, the policy is a portion of the ministry’s broader efforts to further the Kingdom’s political, economic and administrative modernisation plans.

The minister also touched on disinformation, fake news and hate speech on social media platforms, stressing the importance of a sustained response to counter such threats.

ESC Director Musa Shteiwi said: “Despite the critical and continuous role of Jordanian media, and the presence of policies and measures supporting media diversity…there are still numerous challenges facing the local media environment,” noting that among the challenges are “fragmented media regulations”.

The meeting gathered Jordanian media organisations and outlets, representatives of civil society organisations and the Jordan Press Association, state radio and television, media faculties and media departments of governmental organisations.