US embassy cable - 05AMMAN996

UNCLAS AMMAN 000996 
 
SIPDIS 
 
IIP/T/IS (PLATT), IIP/G/NEA-SA (SCOTT), IIP/G/NEA 
(BOCHNER), NEA/PPD (BENZE) 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OIIP,  OEXC,  SCUL,  JO 
SUBJECT: PAS Jordan Request for Journalism 
Workshop Trainer on Economic, Business and 
Financial Reporting 
 
 
1. PAS Amman requests IIP assistance in 
identifying an experienced journalism trainer to 
conduct a workshop on economic, business and 
financial reporting.  As Jordan's economy has 
expanded in recent years as a result of 
significant economic reform measures, the media 
has not always done a satisfactory job following 
these trends and explaining them to the public. 
With key elements of these reforms related 
directly to U.S. policy initiatives, such as 
conclusion of a U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement, 
it is important for the media to have a better 
understanding of economic fundamentals so that 
these changes are reported accurately and 
objectively. 
 
2. This request is part of PAS Amman's ongoing 
media professionalization program, which began in 
FY 2000.  We would convene a group of 10-15 
journalists who cover economic, business and 
financial issues in Jordan's newspapers and 
magazines.  We seek a trainer who has either 
journalism or teaching experience in this subject 
matter.  The ideal length for this workshop is 
three to four days consecutive.  We would offer 
simultaneous translation for those participants 
without English language ability. 
 
3.  Post requests funding of this program from PAS 
Amman's I-Bucks account.  Post is willing to 
include a number of Iraqi journalists (up to five) 
in this program if Embassy Baghdad can identify 
and cover the costs of suitable participants.  PAS 
Amman would handle all logistics in Amman for 
Iraqi participants, but cannot cover costs of 
their participation. 
 
4. Our recommendation of a theme and timing for 
the program is as follows: 
 
Workshop on Economic/Business/Financial Reporting 
 
Weeks of March 13-20 or March 20-24.  Location 
will be in one of Amman's hotels, TBD. 
 
4. The control officer for this program will be IO 
Justin Siberell, Tel: 962-6-590-6000, Ext. 6618; 
Fax: 962-6-592-0121.  HALE