The Community Media Network, which includes Radio Al-Balad 92.5 FM and AmmanNet, will hold its second regional conference titled “Independent Media… Strong Society” on Monday and Tuesday, May 11–12, 2026, in the Jordanian capital, Amman. The event will bring together a select group of journalists, experts, and policymakers from across the Middle East and North Africa.

The conference is held under the patronage of Minister of Government Communication Dr. Mohammad Momani, and aims to serve as a regional platform for discussing the rapidly evolving media landscape, as well as the challenges facing media independence and its societal role amid technological advancement and the growing influence of digital platforms.

The Director General of the Community Media Network, Radio Al-Balad, Etaf Al-Raudan, said that the timing of the conference coincides with World Press Freedom Day, observed on May 3. She noted that this occasion highlights the importance of independent professional community media in promoting media diversity, freedom of opinion and expression, and enabling broader public participation in shaping media content that reflects people’s needs. This, she added, contributes to building resilient societies capable of facing local, regional, and global challenges.

The first day of the conference will feature three main sessions. The opening session will address the overlap in news structures across written, visual, and audio media, examining the boundaries of privacy, distinction, and the interplay between message, tools, and audiences, with participation from international experts, the Jordan Media Institute, and regional and international media organizations.

The second session will focus on the future of radio journalism in light of artificial intelligence and information technology, and the opportunities and challenges these developments pose for content production, with contributions from media, technology, and legal specialists.

The third session will explore the future of news and content production amid increasing digital competition across visual and audio media, with participation from representatives of media institutions, international organizations, and professional syndicates.

The second day will be dedicated to closed roundtable sessions involving broadcasting professionals and media experts. It will begin with a discussion on newsroom operations between editorial independence and public relations management, followed by a session on the role of Jordanian community radio stations in confronting misinformation and fake news.

Tuesday will also include a workshop on the importance of building regional alliances for community media, in addition to a closing session.

Supporters

 * **European Union** (EU)

 * **Canada**

 * **Ireland**

 * **Taipei Economic & Cultural Office** (TECO)