The Factors Influencing the Professional Performance of Journalists in Jordanian News Websites: A Survey Study
Azzam A. Ananzeh, Journalism Department, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Abstract
This study aimed to understand external and internal factors influencing professional performance of journalists working in Jordanian news websites through conducting a survey study on a sample of (100) journalists working in these news websites.
The study concluded that (60%) of the study sample undertook a training courses in all aspects of journalism, mainly in news editing and news coverage. It also concluded that (40%) of study sample did not attend any training courses at all because no training sessions have been held related to their work. Finally, the study also concluded that one of the most important internal factors influencing professional performance was the relationship between journalists working in these websites and the editorial policy of the there. On other hand, the external factors influencing professional performance included: the inability to cover events happening in remote areas and threats from the authorities against journalists such as threatening them of imprisonment and or fines in case they publish unacceptable materials.
The results indicated that the most prominent obstacles and challenges that face journalistic work in Jordanian news websites from the point of view of the study sample include: the interest to achieve scoop without the need to assure the accuracy of the news and the lack of advertisers in news sites. On the other hand, the most prominent means of improving professional performance for workers in these websites are organizing specialized courses in electronic journalism and organizing specialized courses in the use of the computer and the internet.
Key words: Professional Performance, Jordanian Journalists, Jordanian News Websites.