Shboul stresses responsibility, importance of press freedom

AMMAN — Minister of Government Communications Faisal Shboul on Wednesday congratulated media personnel on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, which falls annually on May 3. Shboul, who is also the government's official spokesperson, expressed appreciation for media institutions' role in defending national issues and spreading the country's messages worldwide. Shboul stressed that press freedom must be synonymous with responsibility, noting that “modern technology has allowed everyone to take part in the public debate”. Reviewing the government's efforts to support the media, Shboul pointed out that the ministry has developed a draft of the general policy of government media and communication, as to ensure the free and timely flow of information to the public. The ministry also launched the media training and qualification programme for official media spokespersons. Training programmes were also developed in collaboration with civil society organisations to help fresh media graduates find jobs in healthcare and tourism, he added.