Jordanian Ministry of information is abrogated as from the beginning of 2002

The Jordanian media higher council started its mission on December 22 in drawing up a new media policy to Jordan and in supervising media foundations. Among the new changes is that it was decided to officially cancel the ministry of information in Jordan as from the beginning of 2002.

The council held its first meeting on December 22nd under the chairmanship of the former foreign minister Kamel Abu Jaber. The participants in the meeting discussed proposals on canceling the ministry of information and defining the situations of its employees as well as new laws and legislation to be issued in line with the new changes.

Well-informed sources in Amman said that the council will enact several laws that permit the foundation of private TV and radio stations and news agencies, besides licenses to issue specialized dailies and weeklies.

The sources also said that the printing and publication department will be canceled and becomes part of the media higher council.

According to the new laws and legislation in Jordan, the TV and radio station will be under the supervision of the council, rather the authority of the government.