AMMAN — Minister of Government Communications and
Spokesperson
Faisal Al-Shboul said that his new ministry does not mark the
restoration of the Ministry of Information, which was dissolved in 2003,
according to Al-Mamlaka TV.
اضافة اعلان
The Ministry of Information supervised the
activities of the Jordan Radio and Television Corporation, the Department of
Publication, and the Jordan News Agency, all of which are not the
responsibility of the Ministry of Government Communications, Shboul explained.
Instead, the ministry will set general policies
under the provision of the constitution to guarantee the freedom of expression.
It will also strengthen the role of the national
media by defending Jordan’s interests, adhering to
Jordanian values, protecting
the diversity of the media, and strengthening its role within the law, in
addition to addressing rumors, hate speech, and any violations to the sanctity
of private life.
“I think that we are in need of these values in
light of the widespread use of social media, and new media,” he said.
Before the Ministry of Information was dissolved,
dozens of media outlets existed in Jordan, whereas, currently, there are 250
media outlets in the public and private sectors, according to the minister.
Next year, some 75 media spokespersons for various
government institutions will be trained, Shboul explained, stressing the need
for a reference body to the spokespersons.
In a separate report carried by Khaberni, Shboul
said that his ministry’s building was leased from the Orphan’s Fund in Shmeisani.
The minister noted that dozens of people will be
hired to work for the ministry, which will initially rely on media cadres at
the Prime Ministry, in additions to staff from the
Jordan Radio and Television Corporation (JRTV), and the Jordan News Agency, Petra.
Shboul dismissed that Petra will merge with the JRTV
because the latter is an independent institution.
Shboul asserted that the independence of Petra and
JRTV is essential, and that both institutions will be associated with the
ministry, but will not be part of it.
Read more National news
Jordan News
.jpg)
.jpg)
