Amman – Under the patronage of HRH Princess Basma, Jordan Media Institute (JMI) celebrated the graduation of the 9th batch of students who completed a Master’s program in Journalism and Modern Media. The ceremony was also attended by JMI Founder HRH Princess Reem Ali and other officials.
In her speech, Princess Basma highlighted the huge responsibility of the media in delivering accurate information and the importance of committing to professional and ethical principles including honesty, integrity, and objectivity. She noted that reporters should ensure humane, decent, and responsible coverage of events and news given the rapid advancements in communication technologies and the fierce competition in news delivery.
She also pointed out to the critical role of the Jordan Media Credibility Monitor “Akeed” in verifying news authenticity and media content.
The Princess commended the Institute’s efforts aimed at equipping students with the skills and tools needed in the market and improving the profession in the Kingdom.
Highlighting JMI achievements, JMI Dean Dr. Bassim Tweissi, said the JMI won second place in the Global MIL Award 2018, awarded by the Global Alliance for Partnership on Media and Information Literacy and UNESCO.
The award, he told the ceremony, is a global recognition of Jordan’s efforts represented by the JMI and its commitment to promoting media literacy and integrating it into curricula and youth and community activities.
Dr. Tweissi also noted the continued Arab media “crisis” marked by an over reliance on social media for getting news and a lower confidence in professional media outlets.
He said that turning social platforms into a force for misleading the public and a tool for achieving gains is a huge challenge. We need to produce new generations of Journalists who are committed to the highest moral and ethical principles and at the same time ensure that people’s right to freedom of expression is protected.
Ahmad Tannouh, who delivered the student graduation speech on behalf of the 31 graduates, spoke about the huge scientific and technical capacities of the JMI and the valuable resources that the Institute make available to students.
At the end of the ceremony, Princess Reem Ali presented Princess Basma with the JMI shield in appreciation of the latter’s humanitarian efforts and distinguished service as well as her involvement in development projects.
Prominent writer and editor Dr. Jan Karam, who is leaving the JMI, was also honored during the ceremony.
It is worth noting that a total of 2013 students graduated from the JMI since its establishment, 92% of whom are already employed by media and press foundations in Jordan.