Media experts, officials call for strategy to improve election coverage

DEAD SEA — Officials and experts on Thursday called for drafting a strategy tailored to enhance the media’s coverage of elections.

At a gathering on “Media and Elections”, organised by the Centre for Defending Freedom of Journalists (CDFJ) and the Community Media Network (CMN), attendees called for providing proper training for media outlets when it comes to covering elections, so that they become more capable of offering accurate and rich content for the public and contribute to encouraging people to vote.

Parliamentary, municipal and local council elections will be held in accordance with new laws, and the media plays a key role in educating the public and raising awareness in this regard, Riyadh Shakaa, president of the Independent Elections Commission, said at the event, funded by USAID and supported by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems.

“There are many challenges, but we need to work hand in hand to create a positive electoral environment. Media outlets need to provide information to the public and they are our partners,” said Shakaa.

Stressing that media plays a key role in fostering positive behaviour as far as elections are concerned, Jordan Media Commission Director General Amjad Qadi called for  a strategy to develop the media’s capabilities in covering and reporting on elections.

“Elections-related media differ from other types of media. In this regard, media should play a role by providing needed information to the public to help them make their decision,” Qadi said at the event. 

“If we want properly elected and strong parliaments we need people to base decisions on accurate information.” 

According to CMN Director General Daoud Kuttab, the media’s role in introducing election candidates to the public is crucial.

“At present, media outlets including private TV [channels], social media and other outlets play a significant role in elections,” said Kuttab. 

He stressed the need for more professional, deep and accurate content in media, given that about 63 per cent of content in media outlets is currently from press releases.

CDFJ President Nidal Mansour said media outlets play a fundamental role in protecting democracy and ensuring the impartiality of elections.

“Media is a key partner to restoring confidence in elections, and all stakeholders need to show support in this regard... Civil society organisations at the same time should monitor the performance of media outlets,” said Mansour.

During the two-day event, participants will look into several issues including the electoral climate in Jordan, media priorities and challenges during elections, and the role of media and new media techniques in elections.