Jordanian government suspends licensing of papers

The Jordanian government has decided to halt the issuance of press publications, noting that the issuance of such licenses is linked to completing necessary legislation to develop the media, in line with the new media policy led by King Abdullah II, provided for canceling the ministry of information and assigning the task of supervising drawing and implementation of the media policy to the higher council for the press.

To this effect, information ministry sources said the new legislation which are being drawn by a specialized committee at the ministry, the cabinet and the court of legislation will give the Jordanian media a push forward and eliminate impeding obstacles.

The sources explained that the media legislation includes canceling the printing and publication department and to replace it by two divisions. The first is in charge of auditing audio-visual media ( the radio, the TC and satellite stations), while the second division in charge of auditing the written media ( the press and news agencies). Noting that the new legislation will permit the establishment of private radio and TV stations and break the government's monopoly of this sector.