Jordan Times
Monday, August 31, 1998
Information minister pledges to work toward 'professional' journalism
AMMAN (Petra) — Information Minister Nasser Judeh has promised the
Jordan Press Association (JPA) to urge the Cabinet and concerned departments to facilitate
the work of journalists so that they may publish reports in an objective and professional
manner.
During a meeting with JPA President Seif Sharif and council members, Judeh said he was
ready to open all channels of dialogue with media representatives and reach an appropriate
mechanism with the association to improve media performance.
He urged the association to work hand in hand with the ministry to serve Jordan and
enhance the concept of democracy.
The minister called for a “code of honour” to be drawn up by journalists in
order to deal with media-related problems and lay the basis for promoting journalism. He
added that the main role of the media is to shed light on problems and provide
constructive and objective advice to the government.
Referring to the Press and Publications Law, which has been approved by both houses of
Parliament, Judeh said the legislation will be put into force once it has been endorsed by
His Majesty King Hussein and published in the official gazette.
“We all have to respect this law and deal with it like any other Jordanian law,”
he added.
Judeh pledged that the Information Ministry will be flexible and treat all press matters
objectively. He expressed hope that the relationship between the ministry and the press
will be based on cooperation and open dialogue.
Referring to the proposed Royal commission on the media, Judeh noted that the idea
originated with HRH Crown Prince Hassan, the Regent, and that the Cabinet will have to
develop an appropriate mechanism to establish the body, which he said aims at
institutionalising a firm and solid basis for journalism in Jordan.
Judeh also pledged to follow up on the question of providing the JPA with a piece of land
on which it can build its headquarters.
The minister said he will study a JPA demand for allocating part of Jordan Television's
revenues from commercials to the association under an arrangement between the JPA and
newspapers.
The minister said he will also look into the prospect of the Jordan News Agency, Petra,
charging the press and other organisations for its services.
For his part, Sharif demanded that the government raise the allowance paid to Petra
journalists from 60 per cent to 90 per cent, similar to what he said other professional
associations in the country receive.
At the meeting, JPA council members reviewed a number of issues of concern to the
journalists, particularly several articles in the Press and Publications Law and the JPA
law. They demanded that the journalists be represented in the Royal commission and
enquired about journalists being detained in cases connected with the Press and
Publications Law.
The council members also requested that no Jordanian be allowed to write for any newspaper
in Jordan or abroad unless he or she is a member of the JPA. They said this measure would
hold those trying to harm Jordan's image abroad accountable for their actions.
Judeh and the JPA agreed to hold meetings on the first Sunday of each month beginning in
October to discuss issues concerning the media.
Also present at the meeting was Bilal Tal, head of the Press and Publications Department.