Petra News Agency
| Primary URL | Location | Industry | petra[.]gov[.]jo |
Country
Jordan
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Government - National
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Profile
Petra News Agency, also referred to as Petra News Agency, is the official state news agency of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Its primary responsibility is to collect news from various sources within the country and abroad. The agency then processes this information into written reports, photographs, and multimedia packages. These reports are distributed to Jordanian newspapers, television stations, radio outlets, and online platforms. In addition, Petra News Agency supplies its wire service to foreign media organisations seeking coverage of Jordanian events. The organisation operates under the direct oversight of the Jordanian government, which funds its operations and sets its editorial mandate. As a public service entity, it aims to provide timely and reliable information to both domestic audiences and international observers. The agency’s coverage spans topics such as politics, economics, culture, and social affairs. By maintaining a continuous news flow, Petra News Agency supports the dissemination of official statements and public announcements.
The headquarters of Petra News Agency are situated in Jordan, as noted in the organisational context. Being a state‑run news outlet distinguishes it from privately owned media organisations in the country. This status gives the agency a formal role in communicating government policies and national developments. Structural information indicates that Petra News Agency is wholly owned by the Jordanian state, with no private equity partners disclosed. The agency’s organisational structure includes editorial departments, technical units, and administrative divisions typical of national wire services. In June 2016, Petra News Agency was the target of a cyber intrusion that resulted in the publication of a fabricated story. The false article claimed that a Saudi official had stated that Saudi Arabia funded 20 percent of a U.S. presidential candidate’s campaign. Following the breach, the agency attributed the incident to a technical failure caused by hacking and promptly removed the inaccurate content. The episode highlighted vulnerabilities in the agency’s digital infrastructure and prompted a public denial of any legitimate transmission of the disputed report.