Amman: Minister of Government Communication and Official Spokesperson Mohammad Al-Momani on Saturday opened the “Community Media in the Digital Age” conference, arguing that the country’s media landscape is undergoing a structural shift driven by the speed and intensity of digital consumption.
According to Jordan News Agency, Momani stated during the two-day gathering organized by Community Media Network (Radio Al-Balad – AmmanNet website), that the rise of real-time, interactive content has effectively rendered the old, linear model obsolete, making digital transformation “no longer optional” for media institutions or governments.
He emphasized the growing influence of community media due to its proximity to people’s daily concerns and its ability to engage audiences underserved by traditional outlets. Momani highlighted that when supported by a credible regulatory environment, community platforms can strengthen public trust, open channels between citizens and the state, and elevate local development and rights-related issues.
Momani reiterated that the government’s approach to community media is based on “empowerment, not restriction,” focusing on maintaining a balance between openness, editorial responsibility, and protecting the public interest. He noted ongoing efforts by the Ministry to expand media-literacy initiatives and digital-skills programs aimed at enabling young content creators to participate responsibly in public debate and counter disinformation.
He mentioned that Jordan is gradually building a regional model integrating community-level communication with official government outreach, helping to consolidate accurate public messaging and reduce the spread of rumors. Press officers across government institutions play a central role in ensuring that information is timely, accessible, and grounded in professional ethics.
Pointing to Jordan’s six-place rise in the 2025 World Digital Competitiveness Ranking, Momani cited this as evidence of the momentum behind the country’s digital transition, asserting that the modernization of the economy and public administration is now inseparable from investment in digital infrastructure and talent.
He concluded by suggesting that the next stage for community media should be to function as a driver of social innovation, with local platforms acting as digital laboratories for knowledge production, creative problem-solving, and community-driven development.
The conference will cover topics including the future of community media in the digital era, cross-border investigative reporting, legislative reforms needed to safeguard media independence, and the balance between digital innovation and social protection.