Amman: The Jordan Press Association (JPA) has formally approved its action plan for the years 2025-2028, following recommendations from a committee that recently assessed the association's current condition, as stated in a recent announcement.
According to Jordan News Agency, the decision was reached in a session overseen by JPA President Tareq Momani. The committee, which included Vice President Awni Daoud, Secretary Sami Harbi, Treasurer Mohammad Zyoud, and board member Khetam Shoubaki, conducted a thorough month-long review of the association's financial, administrative, legislative, and organizational status, culminating in recommendations that now form the basis of the new action plan.
The committee's report provided a detailed analysis of the JPA's financial situation, indicating the status of its funds, outstanding dues from media organizations, and obligations related to various funds, including cooperation, health insurance, and housing. It also identified issues within the JPA's legal and regulatory framework, addressing concerns related to the association's bylaws, cooperation fund system, housing fund system, and challenges faced by digital media outlets, radio and television stations. Broader legislative issues such as the Cybercrime Law and the Civil Companies Law were also noted.
The review highlighted the lack of active investment projects, with the exception of the advertising office at the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply's Companies Control Department. The report included proposals from the investment committee and a comprehensive roadmap for future priorities.
The committee identified several areas of concern, including weak communication with members, inadequate digital presence, and limited engagement with regional and international journalism organizations. It also noted the deteriorating condition of the JPA's headquarters, underscoring the urgency for maintenance and upgrades.
The action plan prioritizes reforms in health insurance, administrative efficiency, and the introduction of new initiatives to strengthen the JPA's branches and boost member engagement. Key components of the plan involve financial and administrative reforms, modernization of financial management systems, adoption of technologies like electronic billing, and new investment ventures.
The plan also proposes the formation of committees to revise the union's bylaws, safeguard the journalism profession, and review the housing fund system. Legislative reform in collaboration with relevant authorities is also part of the agenda.
Investment in land assets in locations such as Ghabawi, Zarqa, and Tabrbour, development of the advertising office, and joint investment projects with media institutions are included in the plan. The JPA also intends to generate revenue through its clubs, events, exhibitions, and partnerships with major firms.
Plans to upgrade the JPA's website and social media platforms are outlined, along with updating membership data and strengthening ties with press unions globally to enhance the association's international reputation.
In an effort to improve journalists' livelihoods, the plan advocates for higher professional allowances, equitable wage scales, improved health insurance, university scholarships, and education discounts for journalists' families.
New initiatives include launching forums for sports and photojournalists, organizing an annual media conference, creating a digital unit, reviving the annual press freedom report, and hosting an annual Ramadan iftar. The plan also calls for reactivating and forming new committees, and expanding the JPA's presence in governorates through new branches and clubs.