Large-scale media landscape analysis kicks off in Jordan
An in-depth analysis of the Jordanian media landscape based on the UNESCO Media Development Indicators Framework is now underway following the training of a team of national and international researchers in Amman in mid-January. The analysis carried out by UNESCO in partnership with IMS will provide input to a review of a national media strategy action plan for Jordan
The UNESCO Media Development Indicators framework is applied in countries worldwide to carry out in-depth assessments of their media environment. These assessments result in a series of recommendations aimed at helping policy makers and media development actors to address gaps on the way to a free, independent and professional media environment – the core objectives of the Support to Media in Jordan project.
“The MDI framework is agreed by UNESCO’s member states and offers a unique research tool to measure what is needed to improve media freedom, independence and professionalism” stated Johan Romare, UNESCO Project Manager for the Support to Media in Jordan project.
Next to Tunisia, Egypt and Palestine, Jordan will be the fourth Arab country for which the MDI have been assessed. The MDI study for Jordan is implemented in partnership with International Media Support (IMS), an international media development organization that has been involved in several MDI assessments worldwide. Biljana Tatomir, Deputy Director of IMS emphasized that:
“MDI based assessments provide a basis for an informed debate by all stakeholders involved in media reform efforts by pointing out achievements as well as areas in need of further improvement. I believe the forthcoming assessment stands a good chance to serve its purpose in Jordan due to expressed interest and commitment by the government, civil society and media stakeholders.”
The research team for Jordan includes two international researches and four national researchers with extensive experiences in media development and research. The assessment is expected to be published in July. The recommendations from the report will feed into the review process of the Action Plan of the national media strategy which is an activity under the “Support to Media in Jordan” project funded by the European Union. Currently, an advisory board for the study is being set up.
Background information
UNESCO is known as the ”intellectual” agency of the United Nations. At a time when the world is looking for new ways to build peace and sustainable development, people must rely on the power of intelligence to innovate, expand their horizons and sustain the hope of a new humanism. UNESCO exists to bring this creative intelligence to life; for it is in the minds of men and women that the defences of peace and the conditions for sustainable development must be built. UNESCO’s mission in Jordan is to work with the government of Jordan and other stakeholders to provide effective high quality educational, scientific, cultural and communication programmes.
The “Support to Media in Jordan” project is part of a broader EU initiative to support civil society and media in Jordan and is implemented by the UNESCO Amman office in close collaboration with the main state and non-state media institutions in Jordan. For more information about the work of UNESCO in Jordan, please visit unesco.org/amman. For more information on the project, please contact:
Mr. Johan Romare, Project Manager
Tel. +962(0)79 5673320
E-mail: j.romare@unesco.org
International Media Support (IMS) is a non-profit organisation working with media in countries affected by armed conflict, human insecurity and political transition. Across four continents, IMS helps to strengthen professional practices and ensure that media and media workers can operate under challenging circumstances. Read more on www.mediasupport.org.
The European Union (EU) and Jordan are partners and the EU is accompanying Jordan in its reform process. For Jordanians, socio-economic development and rule of law are principal concerns. The EU provides support in these sectors, taking effective action in responding to the economic challenges and the impact of the Syria crisis. With supportive Jordanian leadership, the EU also aims to support greater social justice and economic prosperity, benefitting the people of this country and beyond.
The EU Delegation ensures the follow-up of bilateral relations in the areas of political, economic, trade and development cooperation and the implementation of the EU-Jordan bilateral agreements. For more information about the work of the EU in Jordan, please visit http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/jordan or contact:
Ms Reem Al-Jazi
Reem.al-JaziI@eeas.europa.eu
Tel: +962 460700
