News Media and Political Participation in the Middle East: Jordan as an example

Abstract

This study aims to understand the relationship between the types of news-media use and political conversation and participation in Jordan. It also examines the main factors that impact political participation among people in Jordan. Particularly, democracy in Jordan is an under-discussion topic, that needs further consideration and investigation. This study assessed the role ofnews media in Jordanian democracy and factors that affect one's voting decisions. A self- reported survey was used and distributed to a random sample of 398 citizens at University of Jordan, findings showed strong support to relationship between types of news media, political conversation, and political participation, especially in relation to gender and age, but not provincial affiliation. Education was found to directly affect voting decisions. Almost less than two thirds (61%) of the sample preferred using old mediafor news / political information. Respondents also appreciated media's power in strengthen democracy (60.8%), suggesting in-depth studies, recommendations, implications, and limitations.