Effect of Publication Ban Decisions on the Performance of Journalists in Jordanian Media Institutions

Abstract

This study aims to understand the effect of publications ban decisions on the performance of Jordanian journalists and their relationship with the spread of rumors through social media platforms. It employs a survey methodology to examine practice patterns on a systematic random sample of (300) members of the Jordan Press Association. The study concludes that the most prominent reasons for issuing publication bans, from the respondents' perspective, are to "maintain the secrecy of investigations". The most important topics warranting such decisions are "pornographic or inappropriate content related to the case". A majority of the respondents (63.7%) indicates that publication bans significantly affect their performance, with the most notable impact being the "restriction of journalists' access to information". The results also show no significant differences in the degree of impact of publication bans on the performance of journalists in Jordan based on gender, the type of media ownership, the media outlet, years of experience, and academic qualifications.