‘New measures aim at regulating, not limiting media coverage’

AMMAN – Lower House Speaker Atef Tarawneh told the Jordan Press Association (JPA) on Monday that the recently announced measures aim at regulating and not limiting journalists' coverage of the Chamber's sessions.

JPA President Rakan Saaideh said that he received assurances from Tarawneh that no limitations are to be imposed on reporters covering the House's sessions and activities as per the new regulations announced on Sunday. 

"Tarawneh voiced keenness on safeguarding press freedoms," Saaideh told The Jordan Times. 

The House announced on Sunday that media coverage of the sessions will only be from the reporters’ room, up in the gallery, under the new instructions under which photojournalists can stay up to five minutes under the Dome after a session begins to take photos. 

Reporters’ presence under the Dome, in the corridors and in meeting rooms is now prohibited under the new instructions.

Saaideh also said that he received assurances from Tarawneh that no soundproof glass wall will be installed in the reporters’ room in the gallery.

In its Sunday's announcement, the House said that a soundproof glass wall is to be installed around the public gallery overlooking the debating chamber. 

"Tarawneh said that the gallery will be lifted up a bit to decrease the noise attendees produce during sessions," Saaideh said.

Saaideh also said that he agreed with Tarawneh to always maintain coordination on issues related to reporters' coverage of the House's sessions and events.