Petra News Agency

Profile narrative

Petra News Agency, also known simply as Petra, is the national news agency of Jordan. It operates as a wire service that gathers, produces, and distributes news content in both Arabic and English. The agency’s core output consists of news stories, features, photographs, and multimedia packages covering domestic politics, economics, culture, and sports. Petra supplies its material to Jordanian newspapers, television and radio stations, government institutions, and international subscribers seeking coverage of the Hashemite Kingdom. In addition to general news, the agency provides a dedicated channel for official statements and announcements from Jordanian authorities. By maintaining a network of correspondents across the country and in key foreign capitals, Petra aims to deliver timely reporting on events of national and regional interest. The organisation also offers archival access to its historical news feed for researchers and media professionals. Its editorial process emphasizes verification and adherence to journalistic standards expected of a state‑run outlet.

As the state‑run news agency, Petra occupies a distinctive position in Jordan’s media landscape, functioning under the oversight of the Jordanian government. Its mandate includes disseminating official information and supporting national communication objectives, which sets it apart from privately owned news organisations. The agency’s reach extends beyond Jordan’s borders through its English‑language service, which targets regional audiences and foreign media interested in Jordanian affairs. While specific figures on staff size or audience metrics are not disclosed in the available sources, Petra is recognised as a primary source for Jordanian news both domestically and internationally. The 2016 cyber intrusion incident, in which a fabricated story was published after a hack, highlighted the agency’s role as a trusted conduit for information and underscored the vulnerabilities faced by state‑run media entities. Petra remains owned by the Jordanian state, with no indication of private shareholders or subsidiary structures in the public record. This ownership model reinforces its function as an official source of news for the kingdom. The agency continues to adapt to digital platforms, offering online feeds and social media updates to reach broader audiences.

Incidents

1 incident linked to this organisation.