19 Jun 2011
Amman 19/6/2011
As part of the Open Day organized yesterday at the Jordan Media Institute (JMI), and attended by HRH Princess Rym Ali, founder of JMI, in addition to a large number of students interested in applying to the Journalism and New Media Master’s Programme, a panel discussion was held concerning media ethics in today’s changing media scene.
Panelists included Zaven Kouyoumdjian, the well-know journalist and presenter on Future TV, and the Jordanian veteran Journalist Caroline Faraj, Director of CNN-Arabic. The discussion was moderated by JMI’s Dean Dr Jean Karam. Caroline Faraj started by underlining the recent shift in the journalists’ mission, illustrated by the difference between embedded journalist and citizen Journalist, putting into question in both cases the issue of objectivity. She pointed out the need to be realistic, as sources of funding determine to a large extent media coverage.
How is objectivity guaranteed at a time when social media poses the strongest challenge to journalists, and is competing as a source of news? In his comments, Zaven Kouyoumdjian stressed the non-contradictory character between so- called traditional media and new media. “Professionalism is the basis regardless of the means to communicate” said Kouyoumdjian. “A professional journalist today should use new communication tools, since they can reach areas where media is not available. On the other hand, news cannot spread without satellite channels or traditional media outlets.” Kouyoumdjian added: “objectivity should not take precedence over the journalist’s humanity and loyalty.” He concluded by saying that a distinguished journalist is one who challenges his superiors and does not yield to certain rules and agendas, while Faraj further insisted that challenging one’s hierarchy should be done professionally.
The Open Day was a chance for many interested people to learn more about JMI and its facilities. In this regard, it’s worth mentioning that admission procedures for the MA program will run until July 7th 2011, according to the regulations published on JMI’s website with scholarships available for distinguished students.