PSD radio station bridges gap between security forces, community — director

AMMAN — Amen FM, the radio station of the Public Security Department (PSD), has been playing an “important role” in breaking the ice between people and security personnel, according to the station’s director.

Lt. Colonel Maen Al Khasawneh said Amen FM (89.5) was launched to develop the PSD’s media outreach and to function as a communications bridge with the community out of a belief that the security system requires the presence and cooperation of the public.

Khasawneh said the idea of having an outlet like Amen FM had been in consideration since the early 1990s, when there was a two-hour PSD radio programme every morning and evening to present details related to traffic and send awareness messages. 

“On January 24, 2007, the station was officially launched as an independent media entity when it was inaugurated by His Majesty King Abdullah,” he said, noting that the King called for a new approach in media that tackles issues related to society and serves people rather than singing praise for security forces.

The station director said the project “proved successful because of the station’s credibility” in reporting news of interest to the community.

“Breaking news is immediately reported,” he added.   

But Khasawneh said Amen FM, which has 12 correspondents across the Kingdom’s governorates, is not competing with other radio stations in terms of scoops or advertising, adding that its relationship with other stations, newspapers and local TV stations is based on respect and partnership. 

“Our correspondents have a great role in communicating with local communities in the other governorates,” he added. 

“We receive stories from rural places outside the capital and other remote areas that no one can reach,” Khasawneh noted, adding that members of the local community can be important sources of news.

“Once a citizen informed us that his neighbour, who suffers from a disability, is subject to abuse and we looked into this issue and reported it, which received great attention. Sometimes people who suffer from difficulties also reach out to us and we highlight their issues on air,” he added. 

The station director noted that this two-way method of communications also encourages people to inform the station about any suspected security threats especially amidst the instability in the region.

“We have received such information and we dealt with it with the utmost secrecy, reporting it to the concerned parties.”

He noted that all staff members are from the PSD.

“In the past, there were members working at the station from outside the department, but now everyone is from the PSD. This also helps develop how PSD members deal with media representatives because they gain a better understanding of how they work.” 

Amen FM frequencies

Amman and Aqaba (89.5)

Irbid (89.7)

Maan (101.7)

Karak (89.1)

Rweished (103.4)

Ajloun and Jerash (95.1)