BBC Monitoring

Text of report in English by privately-owned Jordan Times website on 6 November

A total of 30 media sector representatives have signed a draft professional code of ethics after participating in a training course on media coverage of the parliamentary elections.

The three-day workshop which was held at the Dead Sea from 30 October to 2 November, was organized by the Centre for Defending Freedom for Journalists in cooperation with the International Research and Exchanges Board.

During the workshop, the participants held several joint group sessions, where they exchanged ideas and techniques on the best manner in which to cover the elections with integrity and honesty.

Shafiq Obeidat, from the Jordan News Agency, Petra, presented the agency's plan for coverage of the elections, which involves sending reporters to polling stations as well as election operation rooms.

The code of ethics, which was signed by all participants, stated their commitment to behave ethically when conducting their journalistic duties during the elections.

They agreed to be honest and fair while reporting about the elections, to make an effort to seek the truth and to make note of all violations of the Elections Law.

They also promised to distinguish between an opinion and a story while covering the electoral process.

In addition, they pledged to set aside their personal interests and not accept invitations or gifts from anyone in return for their writings.

Other points in the code also included the participants' commitment to offer readers the best coverage possible of the elections in its various stages and to avoid prejudice and discrimination.

Source: Jordan Times website, Amman, in English 6 Nov 07