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AMMAN - Minister of State for Media Affairs and Government Spokesperson Mr. Mohammad Momani affirms that we, in Jordan, have a media environment that is characterized by diversity and large margins of freedom enabling fact-seeking and which must be used to initiate objective, accurate and fact-based dialogue on our public policies and decisions.

During a panel discussion organized by Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Knowledge Forum (TAGKF) marking the 50th Anniversary of Al Karameh Battle, Momani said that media is one of society's most important tools for "enhancing public awareness and conveying truth to the people”.

Momani referred to a worldwide phenomenon afflicting the media which is its tendency to only focus on negative aspects of news, adding that  social responsibility dictates that media should equally report positive news.

Every country has its own challenges whether "economic, social or political and the media has the right to have its own say about it, however,  Jordanian citizens and society have the right to see the other existing positive picture”.

In the same vein that a Jordanian citizen is presented with negative news in newspapers and other media outlets about problems, the citizen also has the right to read about the countless positive and success stories”.

We face economic challenges, but at the same time, we have “national accomplishments that we are proud of." We have to be objective.

Momani referred to the sensitivity of official statements and their diplomatic, economic and political impact, stressing at the same time, the rights of journalists to receive clarification concerning various decisions, noting, however, “We, as official entities, have to take into consideration the impact of each statement”.

“Not a single day passes without the featuring of fake news that seeks to provoke problems between Jordan and other Arab states." Such news is fabricated by foreign intelligence to stir up trouble and instability.

“Our national media was and still is very responsible when dealing with such false news; they either don’t circulate this news or ask us for clarifications”.

Momani made reference to certain regional countries who issued premature and imbalanced press statements that failed to take their countries' major interests into account which eventually cost them their stability.

 “We in Jordan passed through various crises in the past years, and we managed to deal with them appropriately. The Jordanian model is exceptional thanks to the wisdom of the political leadership, the awareness of the Jordanian citizens, in addition to the professionalism in the performance of the country’s security, military and civil institutions”.

Concerning media coverage of economic issues, Momani said that we have to pay attention to the media statements and their consistence with the interests of our homeland due to their direct impact on stock markets, tourism, and investment among other sectors associated with the national economy.

“We are currently undergoing harsh economic conditio