Jordan Times
Monday, June 19, 2006
New USAID programme to support media sector development
AMMAN (JT) — Jordan is to benefit from a new
three-year, $5 million programme to strengthen its media sector, it was
announced on Sunday.
US Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Anne Aarnes and
JIC Director Basel Tarawneh made the announcement yesterday at a signing
ceremony for a memorandum of understanding establishing a joint advisory
committee co-chaired by USAID and the JIC.
The new programme seeks to strengthen the sustainability and diversity of the
media sector in Jordan, according to a US embassy statement.
It will provide, inter alia, technical assistance to schools of journalism,
mid-career journalists and local media in order to promote professionalism and
foster sound business management practices.
Government Spokesperson Nasser Judeh, who also attended the signing ceremony,
said the programme comes in recognition of the government’s commitment to
realise His Majesty King Abdullah’s vision of introducing and implementing
further reforms in all sectors of society, particularly the media sector.
Aarnes commended the government and its agencies as well as journalists for
their guidance in developing the programme’s objectives to support media sector
development, saying that she looked forward to their partnership in implementing
the programme.
Tarawneh welcomed the initiative to establish the committee, which will provide
policy advice for the successful implementation of the Jordan Media
Strengthening Project.
Jordan Press Association President Tareq Momani also attended yesterday’s
ceremony, held at the JIC premises.
International Research & Exchange Board (IREX), a nonprofit organisation with
international and regional expertise in the media sector, is Implementing the
programme on behalf of USAID.