Khaberni - Dr. Nimer Al-Sulaihat, the chairman of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, questioned the extent to which the financial allocations for official media in Jordan reflect the media message and reinforce authentic Jordanian culture, and counter misinformation.
This occurred during the finance committee's discussion on Wednesday, chaired by Dr. Al-Sulaihat, on the 2026 budget of the Ministry of Government Communication and its affiliated media departments and institutions, in the presence of the Minister of Government Communication and government spokesman Dr. Mohammad Al-Momani, directors of the media departments, Ibrahim Al-Bawarid from Radio and Television, Faerooz Mabaydin from the Jordan News Agency (Petra), Bashir Al-Momani from the Media Commission, Jafar Al-Zoubi from Al-Mamlaka TV, and Ayman Abu Al-Rub, the acting Director General of the General Budget Department.
At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. Al-Sulaihat emphasized the national role played by the security forces, wishing a speedy recovery for the injured and emphasizing that their sacrifices will always be appreciated and esteemed.
He said that the army and security agencies form the solid barrier protecting the homeland from any attempts targeting its security and stability.
Al-Sulaihat praised the Hashemite leadership, noting that His Majesty King Abdullah II and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II continue to support state institutions and enhance their capabilities, contributing to reinforcing Jordan’s security and stability.
During the discussion of the Ministry of Government Communication's budget and its affiliated departments, Al-Sulaihat questioned the extent to which the financial allocations reflect the development of the media message and its ability to reinforce authentic Jordanian culture, in addition to keeping up with digital transformation and countering misinformation and the accelerating challenges in the media field.
He stressed the necessity for budgets to contribute to improving efficiency, enhancing the quality of content, and strengthening the presence of national media across various platforms.
In turn, Minister of Government Communication Dr. Mohammad Al-Momani offered his respects to the valorous security forces, affirming that they have repeatedly proven themselves as the first line of defense for the security of the homeland.
He mentioned that the security agencies' handling of yesterday's events demonstrated their competence and capability, renewing wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured.
Al-Momani reviewed the main features of the media strategy and the programs the ministry is working on to follow the royal directives aimed at developing the national media system and enhancing the readiness of its institutions in the era of digitalization.
He explained that the ministry's budget for 2026 amounts to about two million dinars, with an increase of nearly half a million dinars, covering operating and capital expenses. The total financial allocations for the media departments and institutions affiliated with the ministry amount to about 51 million dinars, employed to serve the national message and develop media capabilities.
Al-Bawarid explained that the budget of the Broadcasting and Television Corporation increased to about 32 million dinars, an increase of nearly 4 million dinars, mostly for operating expenses.
He noted that this support enhances the institution's ability to keep up with development, revive the presence of Jordanian drama, diversify programs, and enhance the role of advertisements in generating resources.
Al-Zoubi presented a report on the channel's plans for adaptation and development until 2026, indicating that the channel's support reached 12 million dinars, reflecting a 20% growth, which reflected on the quality of the media product and expanding reach.
In his turn, Bashir Al-Momani reviewed the role of the Commission as an official reference for licensing, regulation, and oversight, confirming that national policies are being developed in cooperation with related entities, and that the Commission’s budget amounted to about 1.6 million dinars, an increase of nearly 200 thousand dinars, mostly allocated for operating expenses.
Mabaydin presented an overview of the agency's role as a reliable national news source, its efforts in content development and digital services, and training staff, noting that the agency's budget reached 3.5 million dinars, an increase of half a million dinars.
In turn, committee members emphasized the necessity for budgets to reflect priorities in developing media content, enhancing institutional efficiency, and bolstering their capacity to face digital challenges, with an emphasis on investing in training and improving the quality of services provided to citizens.
