Momani reiterates gov't commitment to supporting community radio stations, upholding media independence

AMMAN — Community radio stations play a crucial role in addressing local issues and showcasing success stories, Minister of Government Communication and official spokesperson Mohammed Momani said on Wednesday.

In a meeting with representatives from community radio stations at the Ministry of Government Communication on Wednesday, Momani commended their contributions to local development and their function as platforms for public engagement, The Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

The meeting is part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to cooperate with the Kingdom's media landscape to overcome challenges and foster greater professionalism within the sector.

Momani reiterated the government's commitment to bolstering the national media sector and developing a strategic vision for its future. He stressed the importance of defining clear roles for various media platforms, including broadcast, print, and digital, to effectively communicate national narratives and address key challenges.

"Community radio stations are an indispensable part of our media ecosystem," Momani said, highlighting their ability to amplify local voices, raise public awareness, and share inspiring stories of innovation and progress.

He also reiterated the government's commitment to respecting media independence, stressing that access to information and factual reporting are essential for effective communication.

The minister also highlighted the government's continued efforts to support these values, including strengthening the role of spokespersons in all ministries and public institutions and holding regular press briefings following cabinet meetings.

Participants at the meeting called for updated legislation to better support community radio operations and suggested allowing stations to generate limited advertising revenue to cover operating costs. 

They also proposed the creation of specialised programming, encouraged content sharing among community stations, and called for enhanced cooperation with government spokespersons to improve access to information.