Jordan Media Institute - Amman
Princess Rym Ali, founder of the Jordanian Media Institute, called for strengthening partnerships between media and scholarship in a world that is facing increasing challenges. This will ensure that facts based on science are disseminated in a way that is easy for all audiences to understand.
The Princess’ statement was read by Dr. Najwa Khuri-Bulos at the opening session of the virtual Arab Forum of Science Media and Communication. The Princess pointed to the role of the media in providing accurate and timely reports, and emphasized the importance of journalists’ adherence to ethical and professional standards that ensure their stories do not cause harm to others. She also held up the media’s role in examining and questioning government decisions that rely on scientific data, rather than questioning scientific facts.
Her highness said that the COVID-19 pandemic, like all crises, has shone a stark light on the essential role of the media. Moreover, it has demonstrated that media agencies are responsible for interpreting information released by governments, researchers, organizations, and medical authorities, and presenting it in a way that is easy for the public to understand and access.
Princess Rym added that despite the efforts of media organizations to fulfill their responsibilities, disinformation and falsehoods have drowned out many scientific facts. The resulting environment is one that allows conspiracy theories to blossom, contributing to an ever-growing “infodemic” related to COVID-19, to the point where some claim that the virus is a hoax.
“In the midst of an unprecedented health crisis, social media, which lacks monitoring and oversight, has become the main source of information and answers to questions about science. People have found themselves searching for information in a digital world that is quickly filling up with baseless claims, misleading information, and conspiracy theories,” said Princess Rym.
Her Highness explained that the voice of the media has been distorted by the noise that has accompanied this pandemic as traditional news outlets compete with social media platforms to attract audiences’ attention. Troubling attitudes have persisted with the start of the vaccination process. Misleading and false information spread widely on social media such that many have refused to get vaccinated.
The virtual forum, the first of what is intended to be a recurring event, took place over the course of four days. The main theme was “Building Capacities and Facing Challenges.” According to its organizers, it brought together relevant parties in the fields of science media and communication from throughout the Arab world.
The forum seeks participation and attendance from professionals in sectors related to science media and communications, as well as researchers and scholars in the fields of science, technology, engineering, math and medicine.
In addition, a group of government and non-government organizations concerned with media and science communication, as well as university students studying media, journalism, and science attended the forum including students at the Jordanian Media Institute.
Over 50 speakers participated in the forum, which included more than 30 panels attended by upwards of 400 people.