I just have to dash off a quick post to criticize the internet edition of the Jordan Times (JT). When will it ever join the modern world? I find it very disturbing that the JT website lacks the most very basic internet features: An opinion poll, an "e-mail to a friend" button,
or even a printer-friendly format option.
It is even more disturbing that the paper doesn’t have an on-line archive or a proper search engine. The Jordan Times is Jordan’s only English daily and they still can’t get it right! It is really frustrating.
As for the content of the daily, well that’s another story entirely. The quality of the daily, which once was one of the leading publications in the region, has really gone down the drain. In addition to the absence of comprehensive, investigative reports, the daily’s coverage of local issues is mediocre at best; practically non-existent. I’m getting more news about what’s happening in my hometown from blogs and personal e-mails than from the JT Home News page. This is really bad news!
The paper has some good writers, but perhaps not enough since the production output is so low. To be fair to the journalists there, I must say I enjoy Rana Husseini’s pieces, Ahmad Humeid’s weekly ‘Weekender’ columns and Sahar Aloul’s coverage of Jordan’s parliament.
As a former Jordan Times reporter it ails me to see the JT at such a standstill! Something must be done to improve its caliber and it must be done right away!
Okay, I feel much better now.
Linda….Thank you for your speedy feedback with regards to my comments. I am impressed by the vast knowledge you have on this subject. No doubt you’ll agree with the statement that there are no absolute freedoms of speech,i.e. can’t yell fire in a crowded theatre. Additionally, licensing by government is another obstacle. However, I ‘ve seen journalists make a first amendment stand and win on many occasions. I will look into the reading recommendations and will comment further.
Respectfully,
Akram
Akram, the three criterias you mention are very true, but as for governments being inefectual when controlling the press, I would have to say other wise. Please read McChesney’s “Rich Media, Poor democracy” and Chomsky’s “Manufacturing Consent”
Governments, not only in other countries, but as well in America, play a great role in media, specifically news. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 passed by the U.S. FCC is the most perferct example of this.
If you get a chance to read these suggested readings, let me know what you think?
Wow!! interesting discussion! I am amazed at the interest in journalism especially that espoused and reported by the Jordan Times writers and editors. Most journalists, whether in the U S or abroad, are influenced by 3 criterias 1) The Ist amendement of the U S constitution (everyone knows about it who studies journalism), 2)personal bias and political adgenda, 3) economics and the pursuit of profit of the medium they work for. Governments are very inefectual when it comes to controling the press. example; watergate. A determined journalist can get a factual story told when he/she makes up his/her mind to do it irrespective of the obstacle they may face. In a world devoid of prejudice a journalist reports the facts as they happen not as he/she sees the facts, and not as he/she wishes them to be.
We can go on and on ….The Jordan Times reporters and editors do generally a good job given the circumstances they operate under. We can’t fault them for what they do best. respectfully,
Akram
potential client 😉
Thanks for writing about this! JT on-line frustrates me no end. The headlines don’t match the articles, can’t tell from the headlines who the writers are.
Maybe you can “encourage” them when you are in Amman.
“Hubby”
The last part of your comment is so true. One really has to be careful when critiquing the U.S. government, president, and foreign policy.