Amman, Oct. 11 (Petra) -- In the presence of HRH Princess Rym Ali, founder of the Jordan Media Institute, Minister of Government Communication and government spokesperson Mohammad Momani met on Sunday with Arab media ministers and experts in Amman to discuss the future of journalism, rapid digital transformation, societal awareness, and the integration of artificial intelligence in newsrooms.

The panel discussion, titled "Ministers and Media Leaders Shaping the Future," was held during the fourth edition of the Future of Media and Communication Forum, themed "A Changing World," organized by the Center for Defending Freedom of Journalists (CDFJ).

The session featured Palestinian Minister Overseeing Official Media Ahmad Assaf, Lebanese Minister of Information Paul Morcos, Chairman of the Egyptian National Media Authority Ahmad Al-Muslimani, and Syrian Minister of Information Khaled Zarour.

Welcoming Princess Rym Ali and the Arab delegations, Momani highlighted the necessity of joint Arab media cooperation and knowledge-sharing to address common regional challenges.

Momani underscored that media in Jordan is a sovereign sector vital for safeguarding public awareness and national interests. He called for a professional, independent, and constructive press capable of utilizing technological advances to fulfill its mandate effectively.

He emphasized that freedom of expression is an essential component of Jordan's national security framework, stressing the need to strike a balanced approach between media regulations and protecting fundamental freedoms. Regulations, he added, aim to protect society from hate speech, incitement, and sectarian strife while preserving the right to objective criticism and political discourse.

Addressing the sector's trajectory, Momani urged news organizations to adapt to shifting audience behaviors particularly among younger generations by modernizing content delivery rather than simply republishing traditional material on digital platforms. He highlighted Jordan's integration of modern technology and AI applications, such as the digital assistant "Farah," alongside traditional and digital news channels to explain government policies transparently.

For his part, Palestinian Minister Ahmad Assaf emphasized that media serves as a fundamental pillar of the Palestinian struggle against narrative disinformation, highlighting the sacrifices of Palestinian journalists and the systemic challenges posed by digital platform algorithms. He commended His Majesty King Abdullah II’s steadfast support for Palestinian rights.

Lebanese Minister Paul Morcos noted that while AI and emerging technologies enhance media operations, they cannot replace human judgment, calling for transforming official state media into public-interest platforms reflecting societal diversity.

Syrian Minister Khaled Zarour discussed the primary challenge of rebuilding public trust and countering hate speech in Syria, advocating for legislative reforms and scientific research to modernize journalistic tools.

Chairman of the Egyptian National Media Authority Ahmad Al-Muslimani stressed the importance of tailoring media messages to accommodate demographic and cultural differences, ensuring engagement with diverse age groups and media consumption habits.

The session concluded with an open discussion on algorithmic influence on public opinion, combating misinformation, protecting press freedoms, and strengthening public trust in regional media institutions.

//Petra// AF

11/10/2026 22:27:58