Jordan Media Strengthening Program (JMSP)
The Jordan Media Strengthening Program (JMSP) works with media outlets, journalists and journalists’ associations, media regulatory bodies, universities, and NGOs to promote a sustainable and professional independent media system that provides citizens of Jordan with the news and information necessary to participate effectively in political and economic institutions.
Funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the Jordan Media Strengthening Program was one of the first comprehensive media development programs in the Middle East.
Goals
• Build media training capacity in Jordan to promote professional development among mid-career professionals, emerging journalists, and media managers.
• Strengthen the professionalism and organizational capacity of local and regional media.
• Strengthen media associations to improve the enabling environment for independent media and media excellence through legal and policy reforms.
Background
Jordan is in a position to play a central role in promoting broader economic and democratic development in the Middle East. It has one of the more open media sectors in the region and has engaged in reforms aimed at improving governance and citizen engagement. The media sector remains heavily influenced by the state, but private newspapers and fledgling private broadcasters have begun to assume a greater role in the media market.
Project Activities
Job-readiness and practical training for emerging journalists: JMSP works with universities and local media outlets to provide curriculum development support, extracurricular and professional development resources, journalism training resources, journalism internship programs and other practical educational and training opportunities for aspiring media professionals.
Professional Development for Journalists: JMSP partners with universities and local training institutions to develop sustainable professional development and training opportunities for professional journalists, including in-house consultancies, development for media trainers, and opportunities for developing New Media skills amongst mid-career journalists.
Strengthened Community/Local Media: Through training, consulting, and small grants, JMSP supports professionalism in local media and encourages sustainable media management business practices, such as support for community radio and development of audience-driven content for independent outlets.
Improving the Enabling Environment for Independent Media: JMSP supports local organizations, Jordanian regulatory bodies, and other government entities interested in strengthening the legal environment for Jordan's media sector in order to strengthen the legal rights of media and reduce self-censorship. JMSP promotes the development of a community of media law specialists and offers targeted advice and consultancies to regulatory authorities and policy makers to influence a legal environment conducive to media freedoms.
