Open Arab University Media and Communication Students Visit Jordan News Agency to Explore Professional Newsroom Operations
The Faculty of Media and Communication at the Open Arab University – Jordan organized an educational field visit last Wednesday for a group of its students to the Jordan News Agency (Petra), aiming to familiarize them with the professional media and news environment and provide first-hand insight into the agency's journalistic operations.
The Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Faisal Al-Sarhan, accompanied by faculty members Dr. Maram Al-Rawabdeh and Dr. Shalash Al-Zyoud, stated that the visit forms part of the faculty's strategy to bridge academic learning with practical experience, enabling students to gain a deeper understanding of real-world media practices and acquire the knowledge and professional skills required before entering the job market.
Dr. Al-Sarhan emphasized that Petra serves as the leading institution and the foremost training ground for journalism in Jordan, distinguished by its high standards of professionalism and excellence. He added that the visit reflects the faculty's commitment to strengthening partnerships with media organizations across Jordan, offering students valuable opportunities to experience the practical application of their academic studies.
During the visit, students toured the agency's various departments, where they learned about the different stages of news gathering, writing, editing, and verification. They were also introduced to the processes of news production and publication in accordance with internationally recognized journalistic standards and professional ethics.
The visit also provided students with the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the daily responsibilities of journalists and media professionals, as well as Petra's pivotal role in covering local, regional, and international events and delivering reliable news and information to media outlets across the country.
For her part, Petra Director General Fayrouz Mubaideen welcomed the delegation and stressed the importance of equipping journalists with the professional, technical, and ethical competencies necessary to practice journalism responsibly while preserving the credibility and integrity of Jordanian media discourse.
Mubaideen also highlighted Petra's vital role in providing the Jordanian public and media institutions with accurate, credible, and timely news and information.
Meanwhile, Jameel Al-Barmawi, Director of the News Department, outlined the agency's media services, which include written and visual news production, as well as specialized media training programs for students of media faculties at Jordanian universities and for employees working in media departments across both public and private institutions.
Throughout their tour of the agency's directorates, students attended presentations delivered by Petra journalists, who explained the responsibilities of each department, their workflows, and the various stages involved in preparing, editing, and publishing journalistic content.
The students expressed their appreciation for the visit, describing it as a rich educational experience that broadened their understanding of journalism and provided valuable exposure to the realities, challenges, and professional requirements of the media industry.
This visit reflects the Open Arab University's ongoing commitment to strengthening the practical component of media education by integrating academic knowledge with professional field experience, thereby enhancing students' skills and preparing them for successful careers in the media sector.
