World Press Freedom Day | Jordanian Media In Numbers

Ninety-four per cent of journalists in Jordan practise self-censorship, according to a survey conducted by the Centre for Defending the Freedom of Journalists (CDFJ) to mark World Press Freedom Day.

“This year, the survey highlighted self-censorship exercised by journalists in Jordan as well as the phenomenon of bloggers in the Kingdom and the increasing role of citizen journalists within the electronic media revolution,” CDFJ Director Nidal Mansour said at a press conference to announce the results on Saturday.

A phenomenon?

…Asked which issues they voluntarily avoid discussing, 98 per cent of the polled journalists said everything related to the Armed Forces, while 81 per cent cited religious issues. Meanwhile, 78 and 77 per cent respectively said they avoid criticising tribal and Arab leaders; 74 per cent said they don’t discuss sex issues, and 54 per cent said they keep away from criticising the government.

Conducted by a specialised team of independent researchers, the survey also revealed that 68 per cent of respondents believe that government interference in the media has increased in recent years, compared to less than 8.5 per cent in 2004. [source]

sigh…

Article 15 of the Jordanian Constitution:

(i) The State shall guarantee freedom of opinion. Every Jordanian shall be free to express his opinion by speech, in writing, or by means of photographic representation and other forms of expression, provided that such does not violate the law.

(ii) Freedom of the press and publications shall be ensured within the limits of the law.

You’re free to speak, express, write, and be vocal…but as long as it doesn’t violate all the laws that say you’re not allowed to speak, express, write and be vocal. Suffice to say, the practice of self-censorship by journalists has just cause.

Happy world press freedom day!

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