Re-elected press association president pledges to resolve ‘print media crisis’

AMMAN — Newly re-elected Jordan Press Association (JPA) President Tareq Momani on Saturday said he will intensify efforts to find solutions for the difficult financial conditions of newspapers. 

He pledged that the JPA will push for amending laws to further enhance press freedom, which witnessed a decline in 2013.

“The priority during the next tenure is to work hard to enhance the living conditions of journalists employed at newspapers, especially since print media is going through very difficult financial conditions, coupled with an increased reliance on online media,” Momani told The Jordan Times.

The JPA has plans to enhance the capabilities of its members, he said, adding that it will focus on training journalists on the latest trends in the profession.

The association will also work to amend laws regulating the media — such as the Press and Publications Law — to ensure that press freedom is safeguarded, Momani noted.

“Working on all fronts to remove obstacles against press freedom remains a top priority, and the syndicate will work with all stakeholders to address these obstacles.”

The Al Rai managing editor was officially announced JPA president on Friday after securing the majority of votes — 407 compared with 268 for his closest rival, Rakan Saaideh.

Nabil Ghzawi followed with 16 votes.

Turnout for the polls was high, with 713 out of 832 eligible members casting their ballots.

The association has 1,058 members. 

Ten journalists — Fakhri Abu Hamda, Mohammad Abbadi, Dhaher Damen, Awni Daoud, Fayez Abu Gaoud, Mwaffaq Kamal, Samar Haddadin, Ali Freihat, Hazem Khaldi and Walid Habahbeh — were elected as JPA council members. 

Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications Mohammad Momani congratulated the new council members on their election, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

In a phone call with the JPA president on Saturday, the minister conveyed Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour’s best wishes to the council and commended the association’s active role in developing the profession to make the press a key partner in supporting the reform process.

The government, he said, appreciates the association’s monitoring role and is keen on maintaining a relationship with journalists that is built on mutual respect and partnership, Petra reported. 

Later on Saturday Ensour also called the JPA president and congratulated him and the syndicate’s council members on their election.