The Cabinet's decision not to appoint journalists or anyone working in the media in government positions is in line with a new outlook that focuses on the need to give the fourth estate complete independence.
Yet, the matter is way more complicated than a sudden government inclination to empower the media. Undoubtedly, the relationship between media and power in Jordan is controversial. Some media people have excelled in blackmailing officials, no question about that. But why do officials cave in to blackmail if they work confidently and transparently? This question is yet to be answered by those who were behind the government's decision.
The justification given by the government for this rather unexpected move is its desire to create an environment where there is no conflict of interest.
Wise thinking indeed!
But let's take things to the logical conclusion. The government should also think of applying the same principle to all other situations. Take for instance, a minister who owns a company or a bank that deals with the government - why was he appointed in the first place? I am not making the case that ministers in the current government own businesses, but it was the case in other, previous governments. Against this backdrop, I think we need another code of ethics to cover this point as well.
As such, the government's decision is wise, but two points are in order. First, a majority of those who work in journalism complain of certain laws that not only cripple them, but also make them subject to punishment. Perhaps the government should come up with a package that improves the quality of this profession if it wants people to buy into the argument that its decision was motivated by the desire to reinforce journalists' independence.
A second point of paramount importance is the standard of living of those who work in the media profession. Many of them get government positions to supplement their meagre income, which is hardly sufficient to meet their family obligations. I really have no clue how those people are going to meet their obligations if this new code of ethics is implemented immediately. How would these journalists mitigate the impact of this decision if some of them have already budgeted for future obligations based on the current status quo?
Like many other observers, I do not take issue with the wisdom of empowering the media to be more independent and to protect officials from media blackmail, a practice that is not uncommon in our country. Yet we request that the implementation of the new perspective take into account the huge financial commitments of journalists who in government posts.
Perhaps, more than anything we need to find ways to reorganise the media industry in Jordan to fit this new era, especially with the spread of online news portals.
Once again, the government's decision is correct, but it should be complemented with a genuine desire to come up with legislation and other measures to properly empower and inject life into this industry in Jordan.
By Hassan A. Barari
© Jordan Times 2009
