Jordan Times
Friday, November 19, 2004
State media to be liberalised
ALGARVE, Portugal (Petra) — His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday said Jordan is
enacting laws to restructure state media organisations and disengage the
government from direct control.
“Laws have been drafted to liberalise the sector and to open the public airwaves
to private TV and radio stations,” King Abdullah told more than 500 media
leaders attending News Xchange 2004 conference here.
The King said Arab media has an important role “if regional reform and peace are
to succeed.”
Warning that extremists do not seek dialogue but platforms and exposure, the
Monarch said: “Dispassionate, knowledgeable reporting, fairness, credibility —
these are all essential to constructive public dialogue.”
King Abdullah reiterated that Jordan has made its choice for progressive reform,
optimism and peace.
“We know there is work ahead. Lasting change is deep change, and deep change
does not come overnight,” he said.
The King urged journalists to help Israelis and Palestinians who are crying out
for peace and listen to their hopes.
“Help them speak louder than tanks and bombs,” he added.