Jordan: Media Development Forum Slated for 1 October

Text of report in English by Jordan Times website on 7 September

Amman: The US-based Internews International is holding the Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD) between 1-3 October on the shores of the Dead Sea, bringing together representatives from over 300 media support NGOs, independent journalists, broadcasters and media activists.

A session on the forum’s first day will be dedicated to discussing the restructuring of the local media sector, according to a statement released by the Jordan Information Centre.

The GFMD links major international media development groups as well as regional and national media NGOs. These groups are joining forces to leverage their ability to expand people’s access to information and foster local, independent media around the world.

At the forum, assistance NGOs will share best practices in the areas of training journalists, supporting broadcast stations, newspapers and magazines, working for open and accessible internet and telecommunications policies, and reforming media law.

The GFMD also seeks to convince policy makers and funders of the importance of supporting local, independent media.

Established in 1996, Internews International is currently made up of 13 full member organizations and 18 affiliated members, with offices in 34 countries.