Print media cover human rights more than news websites — report

AMMAN — Local print media outlets have given more coverage to human rights violations than electronic media, according to a report by the Jordan Media Institute (JMI).

The specialised study by the JMI’s “Akeed” online portal also found that interest in human rights in the local press increased by 40 per cent in 2015 compared with a similar report conducted in 2013.

Violations of citizens’ rights to receive services topped media outlets’ coverage of human rights at 38 per cent, said the JMI report, a copy of which was sent to The Jordan Times, followed by the right to education (25 per cent), the rights of marginalised groups (22 per cent), civil and political rights (14 per cent) and justice (13 per cent).

The study covered four dailies — Al Rai, Al Ghad, Ad-Dustour and As Sabeel — and three news websites — Ammon, Khaberni and JO24. 

According to the JMI’s findings, print media allocated 42 per cent of their coverage to the right to access information in comparison with 32 per cent in electronic media.

In terms of professional coverage, 57 per cent of news items published by websites were based on one source compared with 41 per cent in print media, the study said.

In addition, 1,051 news items were published on Amman, constituting 31 per cent of media outlets’ coverage of local issues, followed by the northern governorates with 14 per cent. 

The study included several recommendations, such as enhancing journalists’ professional skills and their knowledge of human rights and giving vulnerable groups more press coverage.