Policy analysis jordanianpressandpublicationslaw_imdg_presentation

Policy Analysis:

Prepared by: Laurin-Whitney Gottbrath

International Media Development Group (IMDG)

This presentation will outline the major findings and points made in the Summer 2013 International Media Development Group's report on the Kingdom of Jordan's Press and Publications Law. The full report can be found at https://jordanianculturalpolicy.wordpress.com/report-summer-2013/

ConstitutionPenal CodePress and Publications LawJordanian Press AssociationJournalists Codes of EthicsInternational Treating

Established in 1998 and amended in 2007 and 2012

Guides government regulation (content and licensing) policy of print, broadcast and electronic media

Subject of much debate and received harsh criticism from news organizations, international NGOs and foreign governments

Limits press freedomUses vague languageLack of commitment to international law

Organizations must register with government or be subject to shut down (carries financial burden).

Owners/chief editors must be a member of the Jordanian Press Association (only accepts print journalists, doesn't approve all journalists).

Owners must be Jordanian

Owners/chief editors of websites are responsible for all content on website (including viewer comments)—unrealistic expectation for electronic media

Journalists/editors/owners subject to laws limiting freedom of expression (i.e. no one in Jordan can say anything negative about the King or government. This includes the comments on websites).

PPL does not clearly define who is considered chief editor or even a journalist

The definition of electronic media is also unclear "an electronic site on the internet with a fixed address that offers publication services"

Who is subject to this law?

The Kingdom of Jordan is a signatory on many international treaties and conventions that guarantee the right of expression including (but not limited to), Universal Declaration of Human Rights International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

Arab Charter on Human Rights Jordan's PPL law violates such treaties by denying the freedom of expressing and opinion

For Jordanian news organizations

For the Kingdom of JordanIMDG Commitments

1. Develop alternative plans should news organization/website be shutdown Develop plans to use proxy servers to continue to public content

Utilize social media sites

2. Register news organization (only if organization has the means and lacks the ideological differences to do so)

3. Pressure Jordanian government to reform press regulation policy

4. Continue with demonstrations against current policy

1. Repeal 2012 amendments of PPL

2. Unblock websites

3. Lift licensing requirements

4. Lift membership requirements

5. Repeal laws placing limits on freedom of expression

6. Continue to examine media policy and work to ensure media freedom

1. IMDG is committed to the support of Jordanian news organizations Financially Advisement

2. IMDG will continue to put pressure on the Jordanian government to reform media laws

3. IMDG is committed to the current IMDG media development and sustainability projects in Jordan.

Daoud Kuttab is a prominent journalist and media owner in the Kingdom of Jordan. He is the founder of AmmanNet, the first internet radio organization in the Kingdom. AmmanNet was shut down for not registering with the government on June 3, 2013. He speaks about the limits of the PPL.

Developing and supporting a sustainable independent media throughout the world has always been at the forefront of IMDG’s mission. Such sustainability requires that countries guarantee a free press. Jordan, while making promises of democracy and a more open society, has taken a step backward. The Internet has opened numerous possibilities and opportunities for the people of Jordan. Therefore, Jordan must take steps in the right direction and work to ensure a freer press.

By implementing our recommendations, we are confident that the Jordanian government can develop and support a free and independent media, one that still ensures if not helps supports the vision and democratic goals of the Kingdom.

Also, by doing so, Jordan will become a stronger player among democratic countries within the region and throughout the world. Jordan has the potential to act as a leader for other Arab countries in developing communication policy and strategy for a free press. It is up to the Kingdom however to take the necessary steps to become such a leader.

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