Jordan
Jordan’s contemporary media environment suffers from comparatively intrusive government practices and increasingly restrictive laws compared to it’s rather liberal past - an alarming trend present across much of the region today. The implementation of such laws can be consequential on the extent of free speech, the accessibility to ‘good’ information and the overall independence of the media sector. Notably, the region is ranked as the most difficult and dangerous region in the world for journalists, and Jordan sits at position 146 out of 180 according to the Reporters Without Borders’ 2023 World Press Freedom Index.
Jordan is politically stable, but has a heavily censored and government influenced media landscape. There are few independent media, among many semi-governmental television channels. The government also influences many Jordan media outlets by appointing their editors.
Since 15 July 2023, the Jordan parliament has been discussing a new cybercrime bill proposed by the government. This bill alerts press freedom defenders because it will heavily impact the work of journalists. The new law gives the opportunity to prosecute any person, including journalists, who disseminates “false news,” commits acts of “defamation” or causes “damage to reputation”. The punishment can range from a fine between 25,000 and 63,000 euros or up to three years in prison.
These developments are an example of the deteriorating situation in the country for press freedom. That is why Free Press Unlimited has started a new project in Jordan to address these developments.
Our work
Thanks to the financial support of the Dutch Embassy to the Kingdom of Jordan, Free Press Unlimited will implement the Media Action Jordan project, or M.A.J.O.R., to ensure the development of a safer and more inclusive environment for Jordanian journalists and media houses. This will be done by (1) strengthening lobby and advocacy skills of media civil society organisations and actors, (2) inspiring men and women journalists to produce innovative, relevant and inclusive content, and (3) to foster professional and more resilient media practices throughout the Jordanian media landscape.
Enabling environment
Free Press Unlimited aims to support the development of a more enabling environment for independent journalism in Jordan through capacity-building. More specifically by working with local media support organisations on strategic advocacy, with the national best practices and legal norms kept in mind. There will also be lobby and advocacy events for Jordanian journalists, and a focus on developing capacity in monitoring and documenting violations of press freedom and violence against journalists.
Free Press Unlimited will take the lead in developing this programme, involving key media stakeholders within the civil society (organisations as well as individuals), international knowledge partners, and (sub-) regional networks and initiatives for media freedom.