The Jordan Radio and Television Corporation (JRTV) serves as the Kingdom of Jordan’s national public broadcaster. Its institutional roots trace back to 1985, when it was formed through the merger of Jordan Radio and Jordan Television. A significant restructuring in 2001 reorganized its broadcasting services into three distinct television channels: a generalist channel offering news and entertainment, a dedicated sports network, and a third channel focusing on films and children’s programming.
Media assets
Television: JRTV 1, JRTV 2, Al Ordoniyah
Radio: Radio Al-Urdunniyah, Radio Amman, Radio 3, Radio 4
State Media Matrix Typology
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