Media Elections Journal December / 2013 Edition& Number 3 Publication created in the framework of the UNESCO Project ‘Enhancing Professional and Accurate Media on the Electoral Process in Jordan’, funded by the European Union Challenges of elections reporting in the Arab region debated in Amman diverse backgrounds and with eporters from Tunis, Egypt, R variable media expertise, openly Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq and discuss a very specific aspect of Jordan have met in Amman at a media coverage, which is related debate forum to exchange their directly to elections; a novel experience and identify measures to journalistic reporting topic which improve their work during electoral has gained considerable weight processes. The forum is part of recently in light of political reform the Media and Elections Project, scenarios that spread across the implemented by UNESCO Amman region for the past few years”, Office throughout 2013 and funded commented Rut G. Sobrino, Project by the European Union. Manager of the Media and Elections "This is a unique event, as for the Project at UNESCO Amman. first time in Jordan reporters from (continues in page 3) Jordan Media Institute trains media students

Media students from a number of Jordanian universities have attended a workshop to analyze the relevance of students’ councils. Topics such as debating skills and hate speech were included in the agenda.

(continues in page 8)

Also in this edition… Interview Interview Article Ayman Ayoub, Patricia Pennetier, Programme Launch of the Road Map Director of IDEA Manager for Human Rights Strategy and Good Gover-nance at the EU Delegation to Jordan page 5 page10 page12 Content

Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/enhancing.professional.media.on.elections 3 Arab reporters meet in Jordan to exchange expertise and to discuss professionalism in the journalistic coverage of elections

5 Interview to Mr Ayman Ayoub ,Director for North Africa region at IDEA Institute

9 Jordan Media Institute trains media students on the relevance of participation on electoral processes

10 Interview to Ms Patricia Pennetier, Programme Manager, Human Rights and Good Governance at the EU Delegation to Jordan Follow Us: http://www.unesco.org/new/en/amman/projects/enhancing- professional-and-accurate-media-on-the-electoral-process-in-jordan/ 12 The Road Map Strategy launched in Jordan

Editor: Rut Gomez Sobrino, Project Manager Email: r.gomez-sobrino@unesco.org

Assistant: Shaden Abu Al Haijaa, Project Assistant Email: [email protected]

Design: 4P’s Advertising Agency

Copyright: UNESCO

This publication has been created with the funds of the European Union in the framework of the Project ‘Enhancing Professional and Accurate Media in the Electoral Process in Jordan’

2 article

Arab reporters meet in Jordan to exchange expertise and to discuss professionalism in the journalistic coverage of elections

While the two-day forum stands as one of the last activities marking the end of the Project, at the opening session Ms Patricia Pennetier, from the EU Delegation to Jordan, announced the EU’s continuous support to media through its partnership with UNESCO through a new project planned to kick off in 2014. The first presentation was led by Ms. Sanam Shantyaei, from France 24, a journalist who covered electoral processes in a number of countries, including Iran. She shared with the of elections, coverage during the backgrounds of candidates while at participants a useful formula for election day, and the final results. In the same time capturing the existing successfully covering elections. This her interesting lecture, she addressed society momentum, which in turn formula combines the profiles of the the role of professional journalism demonstrates the implications that candidates, the campaigning, the during elections and emphasized the one party or another has on the mood of the society, the features ahead need to inform the public about the people.

Journalism in times of transformation mentioned major challenges of define overall measures to facilitate he role of professional media T journalists covering elections in her their work and to improve its quality. was also highlighted by Mr Ayman country, mainly lack of the culture "There are violations in the electoral Ayoub, Director for North Africa associated to election polling. For systems happening all over the region at IDEA Institute. According the coming 2014 elections "I do not world and it is the responsibility of to him, some of the challenges that envision any changes for the better in the journalist to report on those," journalists face during electoral relation to the professional coverage commented Mr Mohammed Hassan, processes are violence, ill treatment of elections in Egypt because we based in Ramallah and part of the of minorities, lack of women have to reconsider the way we, the Thomson Reuters team. participation and observation of journalists, report in general," she monitoring missions. Working in said. journalism entails all of the above; therefore the responsibility of Jordan and the Parliamentary and journalists takes a new dimension municipal elections that took place in the current momentum that the in 2013 were also discussed in the region is undergoing. Mr Ayoub forum. Mr Daoud Kuttab, Director also mentioned the cancellation of Community Media Network, of Bassem Youssef programme in shared his views on the coverage Egyptian TV. "I am afraid that we of recent elections in the country are facing a state of silencing media and mentioned the need to continue criticism," he said. working to improve the quality of Journalism in Jordan. The presentation of the Egypt case was preceded by high expectations Though the landscapes presented in from the audience explained by the the first day of the forum were highly country’s role in the Arab region. Ms varied, all presenters emphasized Mai Shams, an Egyptian journalist the common challenges they face formerly working for BBC, when covering elections in order to 3 article

Covering elections in fragmented contexts

The second day of the forum, the cases of Lebanon, Iraq and Tunis, were addressed. Raghida Bahnam, from Al Arabiya channel, and based in Dubai, compared her various ex- periences covering elections in the United States, United Kingdom and Lebanon and underlined the right to access information as the key dif- ference between countries, when comparing Journalism in different contexts. "My experience in Leba- non was quite different from the one I had in the UK and in the US; in Lebanon most of the concerns of the society such as the rise in the prices of the electricity bill were not Iraq, El Jezairy compared the elec- improve this exercise. Mr Simon addressed in the campaign and in tions in Iraq in 2005 and in 2009 and Haselock, Senior Associate at Al- many cases I could not even contact described how social fragmentation bany shared his experience in elec- the candidates," she said. and conflict affected the process and tions in a variety of countries, such “There is no democracy if there is no the media coverage. as Bosnia and Iraq emphasizing the freedom of the media," commented Safety of the journalists operating relevance of professional and inde- Ms Magda Abu-Fadil, Director of in Iraq was at the core of the pres- pendent media in countries in tran- Media Unlimited in Lebanon, "but entation of El Jezairy who stated sition. "Elections are a component we also need transparency." Abu- that "Iraq has the highest number of of democratization processes, but Fadil tackled the relevance of also journalists killed, equal to the num- not the only one; there is still lack of addressed social media tools devel- ber of reporters assassinated during understanding of the concept of de- oped during the electoral processes the 20 years of the Vietnam war." He mocracy and its implications as well and mentioned initiatives such as brought the room to deep reflection as of the role of media," he assessed. www.entekhabet.com, a satirist blog when he told on specific cases of The Summit was concluded by the about the activities of the electoral colleagues of him who were killed presentation of Mr Achref Maktouf, campaign where users had the op- in Iraq when he was the Chief Editor President of the International Center portunity to interact and share their of Aswat al Iraq (Voices of Iraq), the for Democracy and Election Moni- views. first independent news agency cre- toring in Tunis, who gave a clear "In Iraq we envision the same issues ated in the country. overview of the media coverage that I am hearing here in this forum; The forum served as well to present of elections in his country, the first despite the huge number of media to the participants the Road Map to experienced the so-called Arab outlets -168 newspapers and 28 TV Strategy, the recent research con- Spring phenomenon. As in previous stations- there was lack of inde- ducted in the framework of the UN- presentations, lack of independence pendence as well as lack of interest ESCO Media and Elections Project of media covering elections was and no knowledge about electoral that includes interviews and ques- a major challenge underlined. "In processes in the society as in other tionnaires shared with the Jordanian Tunis, public media has been un- neighboring countries. As so, a ma- media community. The document, der the control of the Government, jor role of the media was to increase developed by Albany Associates, something that made possible the awareness about the importance of partners in the Media and Elections imprisonment of journalists when voting", Mr Zuhair El Jezairy com- Project, summarizes challenges publishing critics related to politics" mented. Prominent journalist and faced by journalists while covering he commented. former Chief Editor of Aswat al elections and proposes measures to

4 interview

Mr Ayman Ayoub, Director for North Africa region at IDEA Institute “When the aim is to build sustainable democracy, journalists should ideally work under a neutral, non- biased, non-partisan approach”

Q: The region is under a moment elements of any elections, mainly of profound transformation since those that are conducted after 2011 in which elections have conflict and as part of a process become a new component. How of transition to democracy. In all would you describe the recent cases we have seen a lot of debate electoral processes taking place in of the electoral system that should the region? be adopted to ensure inclusiveness, real representation of all, A- In transitional contexts like including women and traditionally those we are witnessing in our marginalized groups and, overall, region, elections are always seen to establish credibility. In fact, the as the key element to launch a real credibility and integrity gaps are, transformation and a radical change in my opinion, among the most of the political system. Often important challenges that needed, elections are wrongly perceived and still need, to be dealt with in as the panacea for all illnesses that such circumstances in the region. need to lead democracy building societies have been enduring for processes. While we have seen long time under dictatorships and important efforts to ensure that oppressive regimes. While this is elections are technically sound, quite understandable as people´s “The few elections that matters related to consensus on the electoral systems that are expectations are always very high, took place in countries of especially under such moments of adopted, voter registration and the region in the last couple real enfranchisement measures, euphoria triggered by their success of years demonstrate how in toppling regimes that seemed to districting and electoral mapping, important it is to build be untouchable, or forcing reform political parties laws and process that have been denied for consensus around key capacities, voter education and decades, it is important to stress elements of any elections, awareness, real independence of that elections are only one element, mainly those that are electoral management bodies, however important it may be, that conducted after conflict both real and perceived, and a only helps foster much longer and and as part of a process of long list of etcetera have been and more complex processes of change. transition to democracy” continue to be real challenges that That is why we always call upon elections are faced with in our actors to seriously consider the region. Much dialogue, consensus need of not rushing to elections. building, genuine political will and Unless elections are conducted democratic culture is needed and with integrity, by real independent shall constitute critical components Q: So what would be the best to ensure that elections are credible, approach in these contexts? bodies that are free of any influence, and under a legal framework are conducted with integrity and are A- The few elections that took that is conducive to establishing seen by the people as conducive to place in countries of the region credibility of processes and results, a faithful representation that vests in the last couple of years it is very difficult to secure the legitimacy upon elected bodies demonstrate how important it is necessary levels of legitimacy and institutions. to build consensus around key that elected institutions badly

5 interview

Q: In this relevant momentum, used by oppressive regimes to deny concepts of simple development or what would be the key step to claims for democratic, freedom and charity organizations. There is also move forward towards consistent dignity. No matter how different a the need to work towards ending and legitimate elections and more society may be to others, but there malpractices of what I call the “NGO democratic systems in the region? are universal values that apply to shops and business”. Another angle all societies and human beings is that of the need to ensure that civil A- Elections are and should be that no one should deny if what society is given the necessary space seen as one element only.. They is sought is genuine democracy. to operate, with a solid recognition of cannot be the magic solution for Anything other than that may only its role and importance. We cannot all problems. In my opinion, a lot be a delaying tactic to perpetuate forget that civil society organizations of work is needed to improve the dictatorships and oppression which have been denied this for long years electoral legal frameworks, that the people in this region no longer in our region, and they were confined shall not be limited to electoral are ready to accept. by oppressive regimes to a marginal laws, but also many other pieces role that they played with lots of of legislation, starting with restrictions and difficulties if at all constitutions, and including they were allowed to exist. This political parties, laws, political requires conducive legal frameworks, A lot of work is needed to finance laws, media laws, civil combined with enabling practices registry and citizenship laws, etc. improve the electoral legal and a real change in mentalities by In addition, a huge task refers to frameworks, that shall not ruling parties, security apparatus the establishment of genuinely be limited to electoral laws, and even the society at large. CSOs independent, professional and but also many other pieces themselves also have a responsibility well skilled election management of legislation, starting in this regard, by proving that they bodies. The main stakeholders, with constitutions, and fully understand their role and act including political parties as a including political parties, consequently. primary channel for representation, laws, political finance laws, Interest and trust in elections is a but also the media and civil society media laws, civil registry different matter. CSOs can only play organizations, need to increase and citizenship laws…” a partial role in this regard. Certainly their capacities, understandings an important one.. The more credible and efforts to raise citizens electoral arrangements, laws, systems, awareness and knowledge. practices and management are, the Political will and longer terms more interest and higher levels of trust Q: Participation of the civil society visions are key factors in this there will be.. This is true even under remains a challenge throughout the regard. Unless there is a sincere current contexts of perceived or real region, how to raise interest and political will by all to build and chaos in many places, which by the trust in electoral processes given consolidate sustainable democracy, way is a characteristic of transitional the sense and perception of chaos one can attempt to reinvent the processes that are triggered by in certain contexts? wheel in many different shapes, popular uprisings, revolutions or but it will only work when it is A- The role of civil society may be pressure, which usually focus on the done properly.. And to do so, we approached from multiple angles: moment of change without much strongly believe that democracy To start with, we shall keep in mind regard to the need for proper planning needs to be home grown, it needs to the need to build and consolidate to what comes after. This only proves be owned by its own people, with civil society organizations that are that democratic transformation is a the understanding that local values meaningful, influential and mindful long term, multifaceted and complex and views should never mean that of their real role. To fulfil their role processes that require time and universal values and principles are in a democracy that is not merely a cannot be reduced to an event or a neglected.. This region has for long representative one, but rather and number of events, whether these are years suffered from false claims increasingly a participatory one, there electoral or other events. about its special context, often is a need to move away from traditional

6 interview

in elections, thus providing all practices that we are talking about actors with equal opportunities and here due consideration. helping produce legitimate and representative bodies that resemble the composition of societies. Indeed, Q: Media is booming in the Arab by establishing legal mechanisms region, but what would be your and provisions that make of advice to Arab journalists covering political debates on mass media elections? among the contenders a critical component of electoral campaigns, A- Media plays a dual role in or by establishing the rules to electoral processes: it informs ensure transparency through well the electorate, enabling them to structures communication policies, meaningfully participate and make obligations and media relations, informed decisions and choice. It or by stressing or even imposing is also the media role to scrutinize a constructive role of the media in Q: Can we speak about actions of government, political elections, by doing these things, international standards in electoral parties, candidates, EMBs and it is possible to contribute to the processes? How best practices such others, by holding them to account. integrity and credibility of elections. as political debates in TV, political An important aspect of the role of It is crucial to give citizens a sense communications, media relations... media in elections revolves around of real control on the process. And happening in other countries can the relationship between public and by doing these things, voters will be applied to the Arab region? private media: feel informed, and will feel capable Public media, by virtue of their A- More than international standards of making informed choices and source of funding, are and should we should talk about principles.. decisions.. This will ultimately help remain a resource for the entire Maybe also universal values.. achieve results that are acceptable electorate. It is generally accepted There are numerous instruments to all. In our region, there has that they should not be politically adopted by international and by been a tremendous increase in the partisan in their editorial coverage. regional organizations that refer to spread of media, good part of which Also, they have particular those principles and values. What is or tries to be more and more obligations to provide civic is important is to agree that indeed independent.. There is also the huge education, as well as to provide a there are basic principles that apply increase in the use of social media platform for the different political to all humans in all societies without and other new technologies.. This parties. distinction. should encourage the replication of good practice that we find in many The obligations of the private However, it is more useful to other places around the world, media are far fewer. The essence look into good practices (many both in the global south and in the of a free media environment is that criticize the reference to best global north. The young people in broadcasters and journalists are not practise, as implying that there is the region, who represent more told what they may or may not say something good and something than 67% of its population, have or write. The best guarantee that better). Good practices precisely been able to stage revolutions and the variety of political ideas are provide an opportunity to show uprisings, or are otherwise able to communicated freely and accurately how international principles can be force reforms, mainly because they is often understood to be for the applied.. They provide us with the are able to see what is happening media to be allowed to get on with success stories that can easily be around them in the world and how their job unhampered. But this does replicated. others are living, here and now not mean that private media have You mention here some of these thanks to new ICT. This should no obligations at all. Professional good practices that help create a act as a strong encouragement to journalistic standards will demand level-playing-field for contenders learn the lesson and give these good accurate and balanced reporting, as

7 interview

well as a clear separation of fact and contributing to integrity in elections comment. The rise of social media, or, otherwise, of making of them a where the same standards that bind dangerous destabilizing factor. “More than international journalists do not bind ‘citizen When the aim is to build sustainable standards we should talk journalists’ is yet another challenge democracy, journalists should about principles. There are that needs due consideration. Miss- ideally work under a neutral, non- numerous instruments adopted information can spread as easily as biased, non-partisan approach, just by international and by regional correct information, so the question like an EMB should be expected to organizations that refer to those is: who is there to keep it in check? behave. At the same time, journalists principles and values” Do the media have a responsibility have a responsibility to voicing in correcting miss-information? opinions against censorship, but In attempting to respond to these never at the expenses of the truth, questions, regard should be given to never anticipating comments to but not on their own certainly, help the symbiotic nature of social media facts. find good answers. This is not an and traditional media. Indeed, news There is always an open question easy task that clearly requires, as on social media is increasingly being that is difficult to answer when experience shows, going through picked up by traditional outlets, tackling the role of media: What a learning process that I hope does allowing for citizen voices to be shall be prioritized: stability or the not extend for much longer in our heard in a new way, but at times fight for freedoms? If freedoms are region, especially as our countries on the expenses of much needed let go or postponed, when and how and people continue to endure so accuracy and verified information. will they make it back? But also, if many difficulties, not to say tragedies All the above leads to a bold media contributes to instability, how as in Syria, and as I strongly believe question about the big potentials of freedoms can effectively be enjoyed that our young generations deserve media, whether public or private, of and exercised? Journalists can, a better place under the sun.

8 training

Jordan Media Institute trains media students on the relevance of participation on electoral processes

Nearly 30 Media and Journalism students from Universities of Yarmouk, Petra, and Zarqa received a 3-day training workshop on the role of students’ councils and their role in the academic life. The activity is part of the Media and Elections Project, implemented by UNESCO Amman Office and funded by the European Union.

Subjects such as media campaigns, ethical standards and monitoring elections were part of the programme. The participants had also the opportunity to improve their debating skills through a session on advocacy campaigns and students’ elections.

The workshop derives from the problems and bridge the gap between importance of students’ councils’ at students and faculties.” the university life particularly in the light of violent events occurring at The sessions of the workshop some Jordanian universities recently. included a series of practical exercises on prejudice, hate speech, According to Jordan Media Institute, transparency on elections and “it is time that the students’ councils’ encouraging participation in political play a crucial role in leveling all and university life.

9 interview

Ms Patricia Pennetier, Programme Manager, Human Rights and Good Governance at the EU Delegation to Jordan “The Media and Elections Project represents the seeds of what the EU intends to develop in a short term period within the media sector”

Q: Media and Elections Journal - Why it is important to underline the role of professional media during electoral processes? “The EU deemed it important to provide A- The role of media is crucial adequate support to media during any electoral process that in order to strengthen its has the genuine ambition of being professionalism and its free and fair. Credible elections are independence; the reason not only about the right to vote and why a specific financial in being informed on how to cast allocation was dedicated a vote, but also in the setting-up to the support of media for of a participatory process where covering the Parliamentary voters engage in public debate Elections in Jordan along and receive adequate information about political parties, policies, with the support of the programmes, candidates, and the Independent Electoral functioning of the election process Commission” itself. Moreover, media, together with independent monitoring, acts as a key watchdog to democratic elections, safeguarding the Q: How would you define the transparency and the impartiality current momentum of Jordan after of the electoral process. the reform of the electoral law and It is for this reason that the EU the Parliamentary and Municipal election campaign media deemed it important to provide elections held in 2013? In what regulations could be improved adequate support to media in order directions should future efforts be by extending to private media to strengthen its professionalism conducted? the obligation for an equitable and its independence, and the treatment of the candidates. This reason why a specific financial A- The reform of the electoral could be done by defining specific allocation was dedicated to the law as well as the development violations and corresponding support of media for covering of the electoral process during the sanctions for the election campaign the Parliamentary Elections in Parliamentary Elections have been period, and an equitable provision Jordan along with the support generally positively received by of radio or TV broadcast time to of the Independent Electoral the European Union's observers. candidates. Commission. However, it is also undeniable that The EU Delegation is already The EU position when supporting some further efforts are needed, working with the Independent an electoral process is to respect especially in the area of media Electoral Commission on how principles of fairness, balance and coverage. An Election Observation to take into consideration these impartiality in the coverage of Mission was deployed by the EU recommendations, and which election campaigns by the media, during the Parliamentary Elections measures would need to be taken whether inside or outside of the in January 2013 and they came up for fulfilling the identified gaps. EU. with specific recommendations regarding media: for instance,

10 interview

to enhance the institutional seeds of what the EU intends to frameworks for media and culture develop in a short term period within but also support civil society actions the media sector. As mentioned “Two years after the Arab reinforcing these two sectors as above, the regional programme Spring, the EU priority vectors of freedom of expression will complement national actions, for co-operation with the as well as vectors of sustainable and notably in Jordan where a Southern Mediterranean economic development. This new comprehensive programme of 5 region is to further assist programme will complement MEUR for media was signed in existing trainings for journalists for November with the Government in the transition to more the region funded by the EU and by to implement activities aiming at inclusive and democratic its Member States, by supporting strengthening an enabling regulatory societies. In this sense, the partner countries in redefining and institutional environment and media plays a key role, a legal framework conducive for at building the capacity for an not only in intercultural ensuring an enabling environment independent, quality based media relations but also in human, of independent media and to sector serving the entire population. social and economic facilitate civil society engagement To this end, the programme will development” in the process. focus on the media sector as a platform for democratic dialogue and a crucial instrument to transparency and accountability in a democratic society. Through a comprehensive Q: The support of the EU to the “Among the key priorities stakeholder driven dialogue media community in Jordan and which have been identified between the relevant ministries and in the Arab region is not only to reform the media sector stakeholders from all parts of the reflected in the Media and Elections in Jordan are independence media sector, the implementation Project implemented by UNESCO and capacity building of of the Government’s media strategy Amman Office, could you give us the audio visual regulatory will be reviewed and an action plan an overall briefing of the initiatives mechanisms; establishing a will be detailed and implemented and major lines of the EU in this self-regulatory complaints with substantial technical assistance regard? media council and code in collaboration with the Ministry of of honor and conduct; State for Media Affairs. A- Two years after the Arab Spring, Among the key priorities which have the EU priority for co-operation initiating a transitional period with the aim to been identified to reform the media with the Southern Mediterranean sector in Jordan are independence and region is to further assist in the reach the point of full independence of Jordan capacity building of the audio visual transition to more inclusive and regulatory mechanisms; establishing democratic societies. In this sense, Radio & Television (JRTV) a self-regulatory complaints media media plays a key role, not only and its becoming a modern council and code of honour and in intercultural relations but also public service broadcaster” conduct; initiating a transitional in human, social and economic period with the aim to reach the development. The European point of full independence of Jordan Commission has therefore Radio & Television (JRTV) and its approved at the end of 2012 a new Q: The potential built through the becoming a modern public service regional programme "Media and Media and Elections Project will broadcaster. culture for development in the continue and be sustained with the I very much hope that the EU and Southern Mediterranean". With upcoming media Project supported UNESCO will continue their fruitful a budget of 17 million Euros, by the EU in Jordan, could you partnership in the field of supporting this programme will support the update our readers about this? the independence and freedom of partner countries (Algeria, Tunisia, A- It is true that the Media and media which is a clear priority for Morocco, Libya, Egypt, Jordan, both organisations. Lebanon, Israel, and Palestine) Elections Project represents the

11 publication

The Road Map Strategy launched in Jordan

After months of intense research exercises with the media community in Jordan, UNESCO and Albany Associates have launched the publication ‘Road Map: Improving Journalistic Coverage of Elections in Jordan.’ Under the subtitle ‘Identifying challenges and proposing solutions’, the booklet is the result of the first survey including Jordanian journalists that tries to analyze the challenges faced during electoral processes. In particular, the participants referred to the processes held in the country throughout 2013, the Parliamentary elections that took place in January and the municipal conducted in the month of August. The publication is the result of a series of sessions and fora conducted in Amman and in the governorates where participants expressed their concerns about their role in electoral processes. In addition, questionnaires and interviews were conducted. As Doug Griffin, Director at Albany Associates stated: “We do not yet know the degree to which Jordanian journalists understand their roles and responsibilities during elections, but data gathered from surveys and interviews will give us some answers, which will “The Road Map “We do not yet know be published through this Project. Strategy sets out key In general, around the world, media the degree to which professionals could always benefit recommendations” from more training on their special Jordanian journalists role during elections—providing elections information to voters, understand their roles presenting facts with balance and and responsibilities impartiality, and giving various candidates and parties a voice, to during elections” name a few”. that govern their work during The Road Map Strategy sets out elections the publication has also key recommendations; including an online functionality tool in increased consultation with order to facilitate its use and easy journalists in developing the rules reference.

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