Abu-Ghazaleh Hosts Minister of State for Media Affairs to Underline National Role of Jordan Media

AMMAN - Minister of State for Media Affairs and Government Spokesperson Mr. Mohammad Momani affirms that we, in Jordan, have a media environment that is characterized by diversity and large margins of freedom enabling fact-seeking and which must be used to initiate objective, accurate and fact-based dialogue on our public policies and decisions.

During a panel discussion organized by Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Knowledge Forum (TAGKF) marking the 50th Anniversary of Al Karameh Battle, Momani said that media is one of society's most important tools for "enhancing public awareness and conveying truth to the people”.

Momani referred to a worldwide phenomenon afflicting the media which is its tendency to only focus on negative aspects of news, adding that  social responsibility dictates that media should equally report positive news.

Every country has its own challenges whether "economic, social or political and the media has the right to have its own say about it, however,  Jordanian citizens and society have the right to see the other existing positive picture”.

In the same vein that a Jordanian citizen is presented with negative news in newspapers and other media outlets about problems, the citizen also has the right to read about the countless positive and success stories”.

We face economic challenges, but at the same time, we have “national accomplishments that we are proud of." We have to be objective.
Momani referred to the sensitivity of official statements and their diplomatic, economic and political impact, stressing at the same time, the rights of journalists to receive clarification concerning various decisions, noting, however, “We, as official entities, have to take into consideration the impact of each statement”.

“Not a single day passes without the featuring of fake news that seeks to provoke problems between Jordan and other Arab states." Such news is fabricated by foreign intelligence to stir up trouble and instability.

“Our national media was and still is very responsible when dealing with such false news; they either don’t circulate this news or ask us for clarifications”.

Momani made reference to certain regional countries who issued premature and imbalanced press statements that failed to take their countries' major interests into account which eventually cost them their stability.

 “We in Jordan passed through various crises in the past years, and we managed to deal with them appropriately. The Jordanian model is exceptional thanks to the wisdom of the political leadership, the awareness of the Jordanian citizens, in addition to the professionalism in the performance of the country’s security, military and civil institutions”.

Concerning media coverage of economic issues, Momani said that we have to pay attention to the media statements and their consistence with the interests of our homeland due to their direct impact on stock markets, tourism, and investment among other sectors associated with the national economy.

“We are currently undergoing harsh economic conditions and we as a government have implemented since last September a communication and media plan to explain the economic reform policies and procedures. We clearly stated that we face a harsh economic situation that incorporates budget deficit, different regional circumstances, however, we will get out of this present economic crisis stronger than before as we always did he said”.

Momani underlined the rise in the role of digital media or social networks  saying that ‘the government is dealing with it openly and we as a state embrace development and invest in it for the benefit of the country.

“With regard to social networks, we deal with them as tools for the service and welfare of the society and public interest; however, some of them also engage in negative roles in terms of publishing false news, promoting lies and sometimes hate speech. Our responsibility is to contain and control this aspect”.

“We professionally interact with these platforms, and for months, we have started a digital media and social network policy by posting infographics, videos and comments using these platforms whether at the Prime Ministry or ministries”.

Momani pointed out “There are laws that govern the work of social networks, not to diminish their freedoms, but to control any breach of law to protect society, in other words, we as government and society don’t accept that social networks are a platform for promoting hate speech. Whoever does so will be taken to court as a mechanism to protect our society and social values”.

Meanwhile, Momani answered various enquiries raised by the attendees, including a question about the Al Mamlaka TV Channel which is to be established in Jordan; reiterating the independence of this TV Channel since it was established by a royal decree.

Moreover, he referred to  Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh’s statement in an interview with Jordan News Agency (Petra) during which he called for and stressed the need to have professionalism in economic media.
He noted that Jordan has been chair of the Arab Ministers of Media Council for two years and “when we meet Arab Ministers of Media, they talk about our experience with great admiration and how our national "media deals with and faces all challenges”.

Concerning the crisis facing newspapers, Momani clarified “We have  taken historical decisions in favor of newspapers in which we aim to adapt them with the new environment and challenges by for instance enhancing their presence on social networks”.

“Newspapers will be able to rise again and  scientific studies indicate   that newspapers are still effective in the media perspective”.

In relation to Jordan’s role in managing the refugee crisis, he said that the world highly appreciates the Jordanian stand which is consistent with our values, history, humanity, religion and nationalism, values which we have always been keen to reflect in our media and political discourse in order to strengthen national conformity in terms of refugees, which we believe has resulted in an immense positive response”.

Momani extended his gratitude for the invitation of Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh to the panel discussion saying, “if entrepreneurship has a name in our country; Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization is one of the most important names for entrepreneurship and creative ideas thanks to its professional services, volunteering activities and constant initiatives”.

For his part, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh affirmed the appreciation of TAG-Forum for hosting the Minister to address the national role of media in defending the country, highlighting its accomplishments and revealing wrongdoings”.

Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh stated that Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization pays much attention to media through its work in Jordan and all its branchesand offices that exceed 100 worldwide.

He reiterated the Organization’s commitment to put its media and communication resources at the service of His Majesty King Abdullah  II in a mechanism that protects the higher interests of the country and its citizens.

Reflecting on the Karameh Battle, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh said that this battle would remain the symbol of Jordan’s pride in its leadership, army and people for overcoming the Zionist enemy and defending the dignityof the Arab nation and its just causes.

He concluded that TAG-Org and the Jordan Armed Forces have signed cooperation agreements that crystallize the commitment of the Organization to put all its resources at the service of the Armed Forces and to contribute in developing skills and capacities of their staff.