Jordan Times
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Hamarneh briefs MPs on JRTVC's policies
AMMAN (Petra) — The Lower House National Guidance
Committee on Monday listened to a detailed briefing by Chairman of Jordan Radio
and TV Corporation (JRTVC) Mustafa Hamarneh on the agency's policies.
Hamarneh told the deputies that the aim of the corporation's policies is to
upgrade the JRTVC's level of performance so as to enable it to compete with
other stations, especially in light of the growing number of satellite channels.
He said the corporation should have the ability to present issues of concern to
citizens with courage and full transparency.
He said JRTVC has set a goal to liberate the media message from all restrictions
and turn the TV from a government into a state TV that is open to all political
and social powers on the basis of equality.
Hamarneh said the new programmes cycle would be the base for the launch of an
ambitious media message.
He underlined the harsh financial situation the corporation suffers as a result
of budget cuts from JD24 million to JD8 million. He said the funds are
insufficient to fulfil the future aspirations of the corporation, which, he
said, seeks to entrench pluralism and enhance the status of the national TV.
The committee held the meeting with the chairman to discuss complaints and
comments about the JRTVC board's policies.
Some deputies attending the meetings defended JRTVC and expressed support for
the new openness and courage in reporting news and presenting national issues on
the screen.
Head of the committee, Emad Maaiah, described the meeting as “serious and
effective.” He said the meeting was an opportunity to be directly informed by
the JRTVC chairman on the board's policies for revamping state broadcast media.
He said deputies were impressed by the presentation and expressed their support
for the board's endeavours and plans.
Maaiah told the press that Hamarneh said he would respond to the queries
presented by committee at follow-up meeting.