Amman: The Jordan Press Association (JPA) on Monday welcomed a directive issued by Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan requiring ministries and public institutions to invite registered JPA members and staff of media outlets licensed by the Media Commission to cover official events and occasions.
According to Jordan News Agency, the JPA council stated that the directive addresses its concerns about individuals posing as journalists on social media, which violates the law. The council expressed appreciation for the Prime Minister's responsiveness and his respect for professional media outlets. The cooperation between the government and the press corps is seen as a reflection of the high regard for the role of the "fourth estate."
The council emphasized the need for collective efforts to safeguard the profession and warned against the growing issue of impostors, which poses a threat to the profession and Jordan's reputation. JPA President Tareq Momani highlighted that the directive extends to unlicensed media outlets operating outside the law.
The directive mandates all ministries, institutions, and government departments to adhere to the requirement of inviting registered JPA members and staff of licensed media organizations, in line with the Press Association Law No. 15 of 1998 and its amendments and the Press and Publications Law No. 8 of 1998 and its amendments, for media coverage of official functions.