Cabinet endorses mandate for independent media platform

AMMAN — Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications Mohammad Momani on Wednesday asserted the government's openness to the media and its commitment to keeping the press posted on various developments and decisions. 

The Council of Ministers has endorsed the mandate for an independent public media project, seeking to provide an independent and professional media platform, he told reporters, pointing out that the project seeks to upgrade the media and further develop its role in terms of raising cultural awareness and providing guidance.  

It also seeks to develop the audio-visual media sector, said Momani, who is also the government spokesperson, adding that the project should start materialising soon. 

"We are talking about months… only," before the idea becomes a reality, he said, noting that the overall framework or the final organisational structure is not ready yet. 

Stressing that the government has drawn on the benefits that were realised through previous experiences in establishing independent entities such as the Independent Elections Commission and the National Centre for Human Rights, the spokesperson said the new independent media outlet will not affect the work of Jordan Television in any way. 

Also, it will not lead to terminating any jobs there, he told the press. 

Momani's remarks were in reply to questions raised by journalists following a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.