Jordan media guide

Jordanian media are very careful to avoid touching "red lines" in their reporting. These "red lines" include criticism of the political system, the royal family, the military, and religion. This self-restraint is a prominent characteristic of the Jordanian media environment, contributing to its overall stability and predictability.

Editorial restrictions are generally enforced through self-censorship, rather than coercion or suppression. Media outlets affiliated with the government usually take a strong pro-government stance, while privately owned media are more likely to criticize specific government policies. This difference reflects the diversity within Jordan's media landscape, offering a range of perspectives to the public.

Television is the most popular form of media. Jordan's television market is primarily dominated by the state-controlled Jordan Radio and Television Corporation (JRTV) and Al-Mamlaka TV, as well as the privately owned Roya TV and Roya TV News channel. In addition, Jordan has a number of commercial satellite television stations, most of which focus on entertainment programming, but also include some channels aimed at foreign audiences, such as major Libyan and Iraqi satellite networks.

Jordan has dozens of radio stations, including privately owned music stations. The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Arabic World Service can be accessed via FM radio. While print media has declined, the online media sector is thriving. Social media is frequently used for news consumption, and political, religious, and media figures are Jordan's main online opinion leaders, shaping public discourse and influencing opinions.

Jordan's Press and Publications Law grants officials the power to block websites, and news websites are required to obtain licenses from the government. As of February 2024, Jordan had 10.3 million internet users, representing 91% of the total population (Datareportal.com). The widespread adoption of the internet has fueled the growth of online news, but has also presented challenges for government regulation, balancing freedom of information with national security concerns.