jordan pulse -
Nidhal Al-Majali
Addressing readers and His Excellency the Minister of Public Sector Development, I extend my complete trust in the clarity of his vision and awareness, as he plays a direct role in public sector reform policies. My message seeks clarity on decisions made by the Council of Ministers, particularly their alignment and consistency with previous resolutions. For instance, on Saturday, 4 January of this year, two significant and seemingly conflicting decisions were made.
The first decision reflects success in unifying efforts to streamline administrative oversight and regulation within the framework of administrative modernisation. It establishes a Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development by merging the Technical and Vocational Skills Development Commission and the Education Quality Assurance Unit with the Higher Education Accreditation and Quality Assurance Commission into a single entity called the "Accreditation and Quality Assurance Commission." This step aims to enhance standards and align with the broader vision for educational reform.
However, the second decision, announced in the same session, permits the appointment of a non-minister as Chair of the Board of the Jordan Radio and Television Corporation and the Jordan News Agency (Petra). The justification provided cited "accelerated sectoral developments, strengthening the state's media mission, and aligning with best practices for media independence."
As an observer, not a media professional, I note that such decisions risk creating additional positions and competition rather than unifying media efforts under a singular vision. The media's independence does not necessitate fragmenting responsibilities. Instead, it requires delivering transparent, timely information from a specialised, unified authority that serves the state's message effectively. This avoids misinformation, external manipulation, and internal confusion.
Jordan needs a cohesive media strategy that reflects its identity, ensures credibility, and counters disinformation. However, current practices treat the media landscape as a "birthday cake," where everyone gets a slice, regardless of their suitability or the national interest. Decisions appear focused on creating roles rather than achieving tangible improvements in the media sector.
If someone argues that the existing framework suffices, I would respond that it remains intangible, poorly presented, and disconnected from the public's trust. This fragmentation leads to conflicting narratives, delayed information, and lost opportunities to establish a credible and unified media presence. For example, while one outlet may report a piece of news, another denies it, and a third presents a contradictory analysis, leaving the public confused and distrustful.
As Jordan navigates critical challenges, it cannot afford such disarray. The media must evolve into a cohesive and effective tool for the state's messaging, free from unnecessary bureaucratic layers that dilute its purpose. Only then can we compete globally and ensure our voice is heard clearly and confidently.