Media assets

Television: JRTV 1, JRTV 2, Al Ordoniyah

Radio: Radio Al-Urdunniyah, Radio Amman, Radio 3, Radio 4

State Media Matrix Typology

State-Controlled (SC)

Ownership and governance

JRTV operates under the framework of the Jordanian Radio and Television Corporation Law of 2000, which enshrines its legal status and governance mechanisms. The organization is overseen by a board of directors, whose members—along with the corporation’s Director General—are appointed by the Council of Ministers upon the Prime Minister’s recommendation and formally endorsed through Royal Decree. The chairmanship of the board is typically held by a minister designated by the Prime Minister, underscoring the broadcaster’s institutional alignment with the executive branch.

This structure effectively anchors JRTV within the state apparatus, leaving little room for insulation from political influence at the topmost levels.

The Director General (CEO) of JRTV as of late 2024 and still in position by mid-2025 is Ibrahim Bawarid. Under his stewardship, JRTV recently embarked on several modernization projects, including implementation of an integrated broadcasting system, construction of a glass studio and studio renovations. Bawarid’s tenure reflects a visible shift toward technological upgrades and operational efficiency, though the deeper structural and editorial issues remain.

Source of funding and budget

JRTV is predominantly state-funded. According to local media observers consulted for this report and official data, between 80% and 90% of its annual operating budget is derived from public funds. A portion of this is sourced through a mandatory license fee, modestly levied at approximately US$1.50 per month and collected alongside electricity bills.

In 2022, the broadcaster operated on a budget of around JOD 23 million (approx. US$32.4 million), with government subsidies accounting for the lion’s share. The following year, its budget increased to JOD 25.18 million (approx. US$35.5 million), of which JOD 23.1 million was a direct government allocation, as per data published by the Jordanian Ministry of Finance. According to the Lower House Finance Committee, JRTV’s allocated budget for 2024 stood at approximately JOD 29 million, marking a JOD 2.5 million increase over the previous year. The same parliamentary session projected JRTV’s 2025 budget to remain stable in the JOD 29 million range .

As of mid-2025, no significant shifts in JRTV’s funding model have been introduced. Discussions about diversifying income streams or increasing commercial revenue have circulated in policy circles, but no structural reforms have materialized.

Editorial independence

JRTV continues to face persistent criticism over its lack of editorial autonomy. The broadcaster has long been regarded as a mouthpiece for the state, with editorial lines closely mirroring official government positions. According to multiple reports by local journalists and international observers, including past assessments by UNESCO, political interference in content decisions remains a deeply entrenched practice.

Journalists working for JRTV have reported being discouraged—or outright forbidden—from interviewing critics of the government, especially those challenging official narratives on governance, economic reform, or civil liberties. Editorial directives are frequently issued from the upper echelons of management or government liaison officials, stifling journalistic initiative and reducing the scope for independent inquiry.

Despite being a public service media institution in name, JRTV lacks a formal charter or statutory guarantee of editorial independence, making it vulnerable to political manipulation. Moreover, no independent oversight mechanism currently exists to audit or safeguard the integrity of its editorial practices.

In contrast, state officials often commend JRTV for its role in disseminating what they describe as the “message of the Kingdom,” positioning the broadcaster as a key instrument in preserving national unity and promoting governmental policy.

July 2025

Media assets

Television: Al-Mamlaka

State Media Matrix Typology

State-Controlled (SC)

Ownership and governance

Al‑Mamlaka was founded under a 2015 bylaw and formalized by a 2018 Royal Decree appointing Fahed Khitan—a seasoned journalist and former editor-in-chief—as its inaugural chairman.

Governance is overseen by a five-member board (including the chair), generally composed of media specialists and politicians. Members serve three-year renewable terms, appointed upon the Prime Minister’s recommendation via Royal Decree . A unique feature is its voluntary audience committees—comprised of academics, civil society figures, and religious leaders—that vet content, suggest programming adjustments, and uphold editorial quality .

The current Chief Executive Officer of Al‑Mamlaka is Jafer Al Zoubi. He assumed the role in early 2024, following the departure of Dana Suyyagh, who stepped down at the end of her contract in December 2023. Jafer Al Zoubi is a seasoned Jordanian journalist, with a background that includes roles in domestic news broadcasting; he holds a degree from Yarmouk University.

Source of funding and budget

Initially backed by a JOD 10 million (~US$14 million) annual allocation for two years, the channel’s funding dipped to JOD 9 million in 2020, all from the government .

By 2023, the state had increased support to JOD 11 million . According to Jordan’s Lower House Finance Committee, the 2025 draft state budget allocated JOD 10 million to Al‑Mamlaka .

Editorial independence

At launch, Al‑Mamlaka was heralded as an editorially independent alternative to JRTV, benefiting from cutting-edge facilities and investigative ambition . It has earned accolades including awards for investigative documentaries, live talk shows, and its TikTok presence.

However, by 2021, critics noted a clear shift: the station started evading coverage of politically sensitive matters, including King Abdullah II’s discord with the former Crown Prince and the Pandora Papers revelations related to the monarchy’s offshore holdings.

As of mid-2025, there is no external oversight mechanism ensuring journalistic autonomy and no legal statute guarantees editorial independence.

July 2025

Media assets

Publishing: Ad-Dustour

State Media Matrix Typology

Captured Public/State-Managed (CaPu)

Ownership and governance

Founded privately, Ad‑Dustour was acquired in part by the Jordanian government in 1986, and today the Social Security Investment Fund—an arm of the state—controls approximately 30%of the company . Other major stakeholders include professional associations (e.g., Engineers Association with ~18%) and employee ownership.

The firm operates under a nine-member board of directors with terms expiring in November 2028, per recent registry information.

Saif Sharif is the company’s General Manager. Known for his operational leadership within the company, Saif also serves as a key figure in editorial oversight. He collaborates closely with the Editor-in-Chief, Nabil Sharif, integrating management strategies with news production .

Source of funding and budget

In 2021, the company’s total revenues were reported at approximately JOD 2.1 million, a modest increase from JOD 1.8 million in 2020. The company accumulated nearly JOD 28 million in losses since 2010, which is approximately US$40 million at 2023 exchange rates.

Annual net losses include: JOD 0.37 million in 2022, JOD 0.19 million in 2023, and JOD 0.20 million in 2024. These figures align with data from the Securities Depository Center.

The company continues to face significant challenges due to a persistent economic downturn, which has severely eroded advertising revenues. Journalists and sector experts interviewed for this report said that government advertising contracts and subscriptions from public institutions have played a critical role in sustaining the company and may have been essential to its continued operation.

Editorial independence

Ad‑Dustour maintains a staunchly pro-government orientation, frequently prioritizing coverage of the Royal Family and official announcements over critical or investigative reporting. It has courted controversy by lauding government restraints on freedom of expression.

No legal protections exist to assure editorial independence, nor are there independent oversight mechanisms.

July 2025

Media assets

Publishing: Al Ra’i, The Jordan Times

State Media Matrix Typology

Captured Public/State-Managed (CaPu)

Ownership and governance

The Jordan Press Foundation is majority-owned by the Jordanian state, with approximately 55% of its shares held through the Social Security Corporation, a government-controlled investment arm. The remainder of the company’s shares is listed on the Amman Stock Exchange, although the composition of minority shareholders is not publicly detailed. The Foundation is widely recognized for its lack of transparency concerning its governance structure and internal decision-making processes.

Leadership appointments within the Foundation typically reflect the government’s direct influence over its management. In February 2023, Shehadeh Mohammad Al Kayed Abu Baqar was appointed Chairman of the Board. His background includes senior roles as an adviser to both the Prime Minister and the President of the Senate, further reinforcing the perception that the company is closely aligned with the country’s political leadership. As of mid-2025, no changes to the board structure or ownership composition have been reported, and the Foundation continues to operate under the same leadership framework.

In July 2024, the Foundation made history by appointing Heyam Karaki as its first female General Manager. A veteran of the organisation since 1997, she climbed the ranks from computer programmer to become Deputy General Manager in March 2021, before assuming the top executive role. Karaki holds a degree in computer science and a diploma in human resources, combining technical acumen with personnel management. Under her leadership in 2025, she has reinforced the Foundation’s commitment to digital growth and operational efficiency, while also steering key digital transformation projects (see below).

Source of funding and budget

There is little publicly available information about the current financial performance of the Jordan Press Foundation. However, previously disclosed internal records provide some insight into the company’s economic trajectory. In 2019, the Foundation reported revenues of approximately JOD 8.5 million (US$12 million), which declined sharply to JOD 4.6 million (US$6.6 million) in 2020. That same year, the company incurred a significant loss of JOD 7.6 million, underscoring the financial vulnerabilities facing Jordan’s print media sector.

According to PitchBook data, the Foundation reported trailing twelve-month revenues of US $8.1 million (~JOD 5.7 million) for the year ending December 31, 2023.

While no updated financial data for 2024 has been published, media experts and journalists interviewed for this report in May 2024 and March-April 2025 consistently report that Al Ra’i is among the largest beneficiaries of state-sponsored advertising in Jordan. These government contracts—allocated through official institutions and ministries—play a critical role in the company’s continued operation. However, due to the opacity surrounding the Foundation’s finances, it is not possible to conclusively determine whether public funding constitutes more than half of its annual revenue.

Editorial independence

The editorial stance of the Jordan Press Foundation’s publications reflects a long-standing alignment with the state. Al Ra’i is widely considered a pro-government outlet, often described as a de facto government mouthpiece. Its content consistently emphasizes official statements, royal family activities, and narratives supportive of state policy, while avoiding critical or investigative reporting that might challenge governmental authority.

While The Jordan Times has historically been regarded as more independent, a content analysis of its reporting during January, February, and March of 2024 conducted for this report by Media and Journalism Research Center revealed overt bias in favor of the royal house. This finding has raised further doubts about the degree of editorial autonomy the paper enjoys in practice, particularly on issues involving political power or governance.

There is no statute in Jordanian law that guarantees the editorial independence of the Jordan Press Foundation or its publications. Moreover, no independent oversight body exists to assess or enforce journalistic standards or prevent political interference. Editorial leadership appointments are widely believed to be subject to vetting by the country’s intelligence services, and journalists have reported an environment of increasing self-censorship and institutional caution.

Under current director Karaki’s leadership, Al Ra’i remains a vocal proponent of official state narratives. In June 2025, Karaki penned a birthday tribute to His Majesty King Abdullah II on behalf of Al Ra’i, emphasising the paper’s enduring role as a public platform dedicated to loyalty, unity, and national development. This editorial tone underscores the continued alignment with government messaging and the lack of critical distance in coverage. Karaki has asserted Al Ra’i’s mission to convey the “voice of the Jordanians” and preserve credibility—even as the publication continues to echo official policy without pushing boundaries.

July 2025

Media assets

News agency: PETRA

State Media Matrix Typology

State-Controlled (SC)

Ownership and governance

Established by Royal Decree in 1969, PETRA was Initially part of the now-dissolved Ministry of Information, It gained administrative independence in 2004 and has since been overseen by the Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications.

PETRA operates under a framework in which hierarchical oversight remains firmly within the state’s grasp. While the Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications chairs the agency’s board, day-to-day operations are managed by a Director General. Since 2023, this role has been held by Fayrouz Mubaidin.

Source of funding and budget

PETRA remains overwhelmingly government-funded. In 2019, official sources reported a state allocation of JOD 2.8 million (around US$4 million). By 2023, that figure rose to over JOD 3 million (US$ 4.2 million), as documented in a government budget report.

Most recently, during the Lower House Finance Committee hearings in late 2024, PETRA was granted JD 3.2 million in the 2025 budget—an increase of JD 312,000 from the prior year.

The agency also generates additional revenue through the sale of news content, photo services, training, and media equipment rentals, but available data confirm that over 90% of its funding generally stems from state support.

Editorial independence

Despite its operational evolution, PETRA’s editorial framework remains constrained. Content analysis and expert assessments conducted for this report consistently indicate that PETRA functions as a government mouthpiece, with reporting firmly aligned with official state narratives.

There is no legal mandate guaranteeing autonomy, and no independent oversight bodymonitors editorial standards. Every recent analysis—including a fresh round in 2024 and 2025—confirms that editorial control firmly resides with the state, from news line direction to framing of key national issues.

July 2025

Media assets

Radio: Army FM Radio, Radio Plus, Radio Hala, Jewish FM, Bliss 104,3

State Media Matrix Typology

Captured Public/State-Managed (CaPu)

Ownership and governance

Al Raya Media Group is tightly controlled by the Jordanian military. According to media professionals interviewed in March 2024 and February 2025, editorial leaders and station management are appointed by military authorities, with no civilian oversight or independent board structure in place. The network remains firmly positioned within the defence establishment’s institutional framework, operating more like a government-run media branch than a private enterprise.

Source of funding and budget

The group’s financial foundation rests on direct funding from the Jordanian Armed Forces, which are responsible for its core operating costs. In addition, each station supplements its budget with commercial advertising, which—according to local experts—accounts for more than half of the group’s overall revenue. This hybrid funding model allows the military to underwrite strategic programming while leveraging market-based revenue sources.

Editorial independence

According to journalists and media analysts interviewed earlier in February 2025, Al Raya’s radio stations serve as a propaganda channel for state and military messaging. Programming choices routinely support official priorities: coverage of military exercises, public safety advisories, border-security initiatives, and national unity campaigns. There is no legal or institutional guarantee of editorial autonomy. No independent assessment or oversight mechanism exists to safeguard content integrity or provide checks and balances on their messaging.

July 2025

Media assets

Radio: Amen FM

State Media Matrix Typology

Captured Public/State-Managed (CaPu)

Ownership and governance

Since its inception, Amen FM has remained firmly under the control of the Jordanian National Police. Its editorial and managerial decisions are overseen by police authorities, and it continues to operate without any independent civilian oversight. Although the station occasionally positions itself as a community-driven broadcaster, its core purpose and governance structure reflect an official channel rather than a public service institution.

Source of funding and budget

Amen FM is predominantly financed through private advertising revenue. Interviews with media insiders in March 2024 and February 2025 confirmed that the station’s business model depends largely on selling ad spots, a relative rarity among state-managed broadcasters who traditionally rely on government subsidies.

There have been no reports of direct state budget allocations to Amen FM, suggesting that operational funding stems from commercial partnerships and sponsorship deals arranged by the police.

Editorial independence

By February 2025, local observers concurred that Amen FM functions as an instrument of government messaging, with its editorial tone strongly reflecting the priorities of the security apparatus.

There is no statutory foundation to guarantee journalistic independence, nor does the station submit to any independent monitoring or editorial oversight. Its content strategy prioritizes public order narratives, civic obedience, and positive portrayals of police activities, with little space for dissenting voices or critical questioning of state institutions.

July 2025