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Jordan's media landscape represents a complex balance between public and private ownership, with the state maintaining significant influence despite liberalization efforts. The public sector operates Jordan Radio and Television Corporation (JRTV) and Al-Mamlaka TV, established in 2018 as a public service broadcaster. The government controls Petra news agency and holds majority stakes in major dailies Al-Rai and Ad-Dustour through the Social Security Corporation. The private sector has expanded considerably, with Roya TV dominating viewership at 38.3% in 2024, alongside 25 private radio stations and independent online outlets shaping a dynamic digital media ecosystem.
Regulatory oversight is centralized through the Media Commission, created in 2014 from merging the Department of Press and Publications with the Audiovisual Media Commission. The Commission's General Manager is appointed by the Council of Ministers, granting significant government influence over licensing and regulation of all media sectors. Key legislation includes the Audiovisual Media Law of 2002, which formally ended the government's broadcasting monopoly, and the Press and Publications Law, amended multiple times between 1997 and 2012 with increasingly restrictive provisions.
The Cybercrimes Law, substantially amended in 2023, expands vaguely-defined offenses such as "spreading fake news" and "provoking strife," with harsh penalties enabling prosecution of journalists and activists for online criticism. Digital transformation has dramatically reshaped Jordan's information ecosystem, with internet penetration reaching 92.5% of the population (10.7 million users) by January 2025, and social media engagement dominating at 95.8% of internet activity, despite increased regulatory constraints.
Social media platforms dominate Jordan's digital landscape, with Facebook leading at 5.45 million users, followed by YouTube at 6.45 million, Instagram at 4.05 million, and growing Snapchat usage at 4.1 million users. This digital expansion occurred alongside historical shifts beginning with democratization in 1989, the 1993 Press Law enabling media pluralism, and the crucial 2002 liberalization of broadcasting. The Arab Spring period of 2011-2012 initially promised reforms but ultimately triggered increased restrictions, including mandatory registration of news websites in 2012.
Contemporary Jordanian media reflects tensions between digitization and regulation, with social media serving as the primary news source for 63% of Jordanians, while traditional television maintains 27% usage. Mobile-first consumption patterns dominate, driven by increasing smartphone penetration and preference for on-demand streaming services. Urban centers like Amman show higher digital penetration and media diversity, while rural areas maintain greater reliance on traditional broadcast media but exhibit growing internet and mobile media adoption rates.
Social media serves as the primary news source for 63% of Jordanians, making it the country's most relied-upon platform for information. Internet penetration reached 92.5% with 10.7 million users by January 2025, while social media accounts for 55.7% of the population at 6.45 million users. YouTube leads with 6.45 million users, followed by Facebook at 5.45 million, Instagram at 4.05 million, and rapidly growing Snapchat usage at 4.1 million users, indicating strong mobile-first consumption patterns.
Mobile-first media consumption dominates Jordanian behavior, driven by increasing smartphone penetration and preference for on-demand streaming services. Younger Jordanians (ages 18-34) show overwhelmingly higher reliance on social media and online sources for news and entertainment, serving as primary drivers of gaming and streaming market growth. Digital transformation has enabled this transition, making Jordan one of the leading adopters of social news in the region despite regulatory constraints.
Television remains a significant channel but is now secondary, with 27% of respondents citing it as their main news source, while print media and radio have markedly lower reach, each surpassed by digital alternatives. Traditional media sees declining engagement, especially among youth, while digital-first content formats and short-form video gain traction across demographic segments. Urban centers like Amman exhibit higher digital penetration and media diversity compared to rural areas.
Regional differences highlight urban-rural divides, with Amman showing greater adoption of digital platforms and diverse media consumption patterns, while rural areas maintain stronger traditional broadcast media usage but demonstrate growing internet and mobile media adoption. Older age groups (45+) more likely to trust and consume television and radio, though digital adoption rises gradually due to increased smartphone usage and efforts to bridge generational divides.
| Category | Statistic | Demographic Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Internet Penetration | 92.5% of total population (10.7 million users) | Urban areas show higher digital adoption and diverse platform usage |
| Social Media Usage | 55.7% of population (6.45 million users), primary news source for 63% | Younger demographics drive social media consumption heavily |
| Television Usage | 27% cite as main news source, Roya TV leads with 38.3% viewership | Older groups maintain higher TV consumption habits |
| Media Revenue | Expected $535.17 million total media revenue in 2025 | Games represent largest revenue segment, reflecting entertainment preferences |
| Platform Preferences | YouTube: 6.45M, Facebook: 5.45M, Instagram: 4.05M, Snapchat: 4.1M | Mobile-first consumption dominates across all age groups |
| Regional Differences | Amman: high digital penetration, Rural areas: traditional media reliance | Connectivity improvements driving rural digital adoption increases |
Media trust in Jordan is shaped by the complex interplay between state influence, regulatory frameworks, and digital platform reliability. Social media's dominance as the primary news source for 63% of Jordanians suggests higher trust in digital platforms despite potential misinformation concerns, while television's 27% usage indicates continued trust in established broadcast media. The Media Commission's government-appointed leadership and restrictive legislation like the Cybercrimes Law influence both media operations and public confidence in information sources.
Trust varies significantly across demographic segments, with younger Jordanians exhibiting greater confidence in social media and online sources, while older populations maintain stronger trust in traditional television and radio outlets. Urban populations demonstrate higher trust in diverse digital platforms, whereas rural communities show continued reliance on traditional broadcast media. Regional disparities reflect accessibility differences, with Amman residents accessing more diverse media sources compared to areas with limited connectivity options.
News consumption through social media platforms dominates Jordanian media behavior, with entertainment content including games and social programming representing the largest media market segment for revenue. Sports content maintains consistent high interest across demographic groups, particularly among younger audiences. Digital-first content formats and short-form video continue gaining traction, reflecting broader regional trends toward mobile-friendly, easily shareable content.
Media preferences show clear demographic patterns: men report slightly higher engagement in sports and gaming content, while women more often consume family-focused and entertainment programming, though both genders participate heavily in social media usage. Higher-income and urban populations consume more digital and interactive content, while lower-income or rural groups maintain greater use of TV and radio but show increasing adoption of mobile-based services as connectivity improves throughout Jordan.
