Amman – An MA thesis entitled “Concept of ‘Civil State’ in Jordanian Media – Content Analysis of Talk Shows on Roya TV” was debated by student Raya Yacoub at Jordan Media Institute (JMI) on January 16, 2018.
The thesis aims at investigating the volume of “civil state” content in media –particularly within television– and at analyzing the active forces in charge of dictating the discourse around it. In addition, the study also examines the extent to which the media sector adheres to the code of professional standards when addressing “civil state” issues.
In her thesis, Yacoub adopted an analytical descriptive approach in sampling Roya TV’s talk show “Nabd Albalad". The study included a total of 12 episodes in which the “civil state” concept was discussed.
The study revealed that the media was able to initiate a public debate regarding the “civil state” concept and the issues related to it. The thesis also concluded that the active forces shaping the content such debates were mostly official influencers.
Yacoub pointed out that such debates should be limited to discussing common issues that are of public concern, and that the percentage of those who support the “civil state” content on Roya TV affirms that there is a general interest in issues, goals and topics related to the “civil state”.
The thesis defense committee consisted of: Supervisor of the thesis and JMI Dean, Dr. Basim Tweissi, Dr. Ali Nejadat, Dr. Sakher Khasawneh and Dr. Salim Abdul-Rahim.