Jordan Media Institute (JMI) and the King Abdullah Fund for Development (KAFD) signed an agreement to launch a project monitoring the credibility of Jordanian media titled “Jordan Facts”. JMI’s founder, Princess Rym Ali, attended the signature ceremony of the project which will serve as one of the components of KAFD’s program for strengthening democratic values. The program was launched by King Abdullah and entrusted to KAFD for implementation.
Dr. Omar Razzaz, Chairman of KAFD, said “the signature of this agreement is a step towards achieving the goals of KAFD’s program for the empowerment of democracy”. Dr. Razzaz elaborated that “by supporting a culture of accountability through media and the public, the verification of news and separating fact from fiction will transform the public from passive to positive recipients of news”. He noted that the website will serve as an independent national reference that sets the criteria for a professional media through its endeavors and reports.
Mr. Radi Alkhas, JMI’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, said “the Jordan Media Institute where the project will be based, will be the implementing party, and will oversee publications and reports in cooperation with the project’s partners”. Alkhas added that the project will be staffed by a qualified team of professionals led by a Board of Trustees whose duty will be to safeguard the impartiality and independence of the media credibility monitor and lay the foundations for its sustainability. He elaborated saying “a committee of experts will establish the criteria for the monitoring activity, and determine the monthly issues to be assessed.”
JMI’s Dean, Dr. Basim Tweissi, remarked that “the media credibility monitor will introduce new practices to Jordan’s media that safeguard accuracy of information through professional methods and mechanisms based on best practices stressing accuracy of content, and high quality news reporting”.