This paper considers new developments in Jordan’s media regulation and explores an brief analysis of the media environment. Jordan is a transitional system and enjoys an environment that is more tolerant in comparison with Jordan’s regional neighbours. But the government still uses a variety of restrictions that are “within the law”. But the law is often blur and widely open to interpretation: Journalists still fear imprisonment and practice “self-censorship” because they’re afraid of the intelligence service that acts behind the shadows of the government.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Media Sector
2.1 Print
2.2 Broadcast News
2.3 Online/Telecommunication
2.4 Jordanian Journalists and their profession
3. Freedom of the Press and Media Regulation
4. Conclusion
5. Sources
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the state of media freedom in Jordan within the context of its transitional political system. It explores how the government maintains control through both legislative frameworks and informal pressures, while investigating the evolving role of digital media and journalistic practices in a country often categorized as a "transitional" environment.
- The structure and diversity of Jordan's print and broadcast media sectors.
- The intersection of media regulation, legal restrictions, and self-censorship.
- The impact of "soft containment" and surveillance on journalistic integrity.
- The potential of new digital technologies and an educated young population to foster media independence.
Excerpt from the Book
2. Media Sector
Print Media has a rather short history in Jordan. The capital Amman had only two low-circulation weeklies prior to 1948. In the following time, daily and other newspapers were established and nowadays rather vibrant. There are seven daily newspapers:
Al-Ra’i (“the opinion”), founded in 1971, is majority-owned by the government (63 %) and the biggest circulation with 100,000.
Ad-Dustour (“constitution”), founded 1967, is partly-owned by the government (30 %) and has around 80,000 copies. Wolfsfeld summaries that Ad-Dustour is a newspaper with a good opinion section and is more analytical than Al-Ra’i.
Al Arab Al Yawm (“the arabic day”) founded in 1997, has around 24,000 copies.
Al-Ghad (“tomorrow”), launched 2004, was Jordan’s first independent and privately owned newspapers. According to the Jordan Mediaguide 2010 the newspaper has 35,000 subscribers and a total circulation of 65,000. Al-Ghad is written by a young educated audience in mind and covers controversial issues of education, gender, the government policies and some sensitive foreign policy matters. Al-Ghad has recently become one of the most popular publications in the country.
Al-Anbat is a new independent newspaper.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the political and social context of Jordan as a constitutional monarchy and introduces the categorization of its media system as a "transitional" one.
2. Media Sector: Provides an overview of the landscape of print, broadcast, and online media in Jordan, detailing ownership structures and market characteristics.
3. Freedom of the Press and Media Regulation: Analyzes the legislative and informal mechanisms, such as the Press and Publication Law and the Penal Code, used by the state to influence and restrict media content.
4. Conclusion: Summarizes the challenges faced by Jordanian journalists and evaluates the potential for future media independence driven by technological shifts and younger generations.
5. Sources: Lists the academic literature, reports, and digital resources utilized for the research.
Keywords
Jordan, Media Regulation, Press Freedom, Journalism, Transitional System, Print Media, Broadcast News, Online Media, Censorship, Self-Censorship, Soft Containment, Government Control, Middle East, Political Liberalization, Digital Media
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on the media landscape in Jordan, specifically analyzing the tension between the country's move towards liberalization and the persistent government controls that restrict press freedom.
What are the primary media sectors discussed?
The research covers print media, broadcast news (television and radio), and the emerging field of online news and telecommunications.
What is the main research question or goal?
The goal is to explore how the Jordanian media operates "within the law" and to assess how government regulations and "red lines" impact the daily work and independence of journalists.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The work utilizes a qualitative analysis based on secondary literature, media reports, foundation studies, and policy analysis regarding Jordan’s legal and political environment.
What topics are covered in the main section of the paper?
The main sections detail the history and current state of Jordanian newspapers, the broadcasting environment, the regulatory challenges, and the psychological impact of surveillance on professional journalism.
Which key terms characterize the study?
Central terms include "transitional system," "soft containment," "self-censorship," and "red lines," which describe the nuances of how political power is maintained over the press.
What does the term "soft containment" mean in this context?
It refers to non-coercive methods used by the government to influence journalists, such as financial grants, job offers in the public sector, or invitations to meetings with senior officials.
Why is the "mukhabarat" mentioned in the study?
The "mukhabarat" (intelligence service) is described as an entity operating in the shadows that creates an atmosphere of fear and surveillance, leading journalists to practice self-censorship to avoid potential repercussions.
Is Jordan considered a free media environment?
Jordan is ranked as "not free" by organizations like Freedom House, though it is often viewed as more tolerant compared to some of its immediate regional neighbors.
Does the paper identify any positive developments for the press?
Yes, the paper notes that the rise of privately-owned media, the impact of internet access, and court rulings that uphold the right to criticize executive power represent significant, albeit limited, progress.
- Quote paper
- Tobias Fülbeck (Author), 2010, In Transition: Jordan’s Media Between Freedom and Regulation , Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/166149
