Strengthen the Framework Governing the Freedom of the Media (JO0050)
Overview
At-a-Glance
Action Plan: Jordan Third National Action Plan 2016-2018
Action Plan Cycle: 2016
Status:
Institutions
Lead Institution: Office of the Minister for Media Affairs
Support Institution(s): NA
Policy Areas
Capacity Building, Civic Space, Freedom of Expression, Legislation, Media & Telecommunications, Public ParticipationIRM Review
IRM Report: Jordan End-of-Term Report 2016-2018
Early Results: Marginal
Design i
Verifiable: No
Relevant to OGP Values: Yes
Ambition (see definition): Low
Implementation i
Description
Status quo or problem addressed by the commitment: Both the National Human Rights Plan and the National Integrity System’s Operation Plan affirmed the need to review and revise the legislative framework governing the work of media outlets and the harmonization of national legislation and policies related to the right of freedom of expression and freedom of opinion with the provisions of the Constitution. In addition, there is a need to take measures to address issues related to the licensing of media outlets and to regulate the media sector in a way that strengthens the right to freedom of opinion and expression and ensures the public’s right to know. This commitment aims at addressing the effects stemming from the rapid expansion of the media sector, the emergence of electronic media on a widespread scale, and the need for regulatory and legislative tools that correspond with such growth. Main objective: Ensure the independence of the media and protection of the right of expression. Brief description of commitment: Design and implement a technical framework to define best practices that should be applied to strengthen the freedom of the press. This shall include the creation of a package of legislative amendments to be submitted to the Parliament. OGP challenge addressed by the commitment: This commitment is fundamentally connected with advancing public participation in the public life and strengthening public accountability measures through the independent role of the media in publishing reports and coverage of the function and performance of public sector institutions, including the criticism of such performance. Ambition: The Jordanian Government desires that its efforts in this field will result in the establishment of an umbrella of policies, legislation and practices that will ensure the function and independence of media outlets. These efforts will be based on civil society and its institutions’ participation and best practices which will provide more guarantee of the freedom of expression.
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