Content for Change
When stories are believed in—those hidden, untold stories waiting for a voice—they come alive.
Fall has arrived, and it’s been our busiest season yet! Our October newsletter is packed with exciting updates on content innovation, cross-cultural exchanges, and upcoming projects.
A major focus this month is the Content Innovation Fund initiative. Through this initiative, journalists and content creators from Jordan and the United States have come together to push the boundaries of storytelling. Over the course of more than a week in Amman, journalists and editors from the United States engaged in dynamic panels and meetings with radio stations, universities, media institutions, TV stations, and thought leaders to connect and learn more about media in the region. Together with their Jordanian counterparts, they explored new approaches and tools in media and exchanged insights about the work they are doing.
We invite you to take a look at the photos from our final exhibition event and immerse yourself in the stories our participants have been working on this year as part of the initiative fund in collaboration with the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ). These powerful narratives include diverse topics, from education and climate change to visual data, online addiction, and violations against migrant laborers in Jordan. What do these projects have in common? They are stories that were untold until now.
In addition, we’re working hard at Wishbox Media to launch our first documentary film on November 25. More updates on this exciting release are below.
Thank you for your ongoing support! We hope to see those of you in Jordan on November 25 at the Rainbow Theatre!
Warm wishes,
Rana F. Sweis
Founder, Wishbox Media Company
💡 What we've been up to
📸 This month, we launched an exciting, immersive experience in partnership with the International Center for Journalists as part of our Content Innovation Fund program, bringing together talented photographers and content creators from Jordan and the US.
At Wishbox Media, we knew there was a need, a gap in resources and mentorship for Jordanian freelance journalists and content creators who often lack the support to bring their stories to life. But an idea, as we all know, only becomes powerful when it is met with the belief, collaboration, and backing of people who understand its potential.
The projects published and broadcast are a testament to the drive, creativity, and resilience of Jordanian storytellers. The journalists and content creators covered topics ranging from the impact of climate change on women farmers in the Jordan Valley to a photo exhibition on shame. Each story captures pressing issues and reflects the success of this initiative.
Out of over a hundred applications, we carefully selected 13 exceptional projects that showcase the depth of talent and storytelling potential in Jordan.




American journalists as part of this program with ICFJ met with the Jordanian journalists and content creators whose projects were chosen as part of the Content Innovation Fund. Highlights also included a talk by cartoonist Omar Abdallat on the power of art and cartoons in shaping societal perspectives, meeting with the first community radio station, AmmanNet, hearing about the rise of the podcast industry from Sada Podcast and Musajjel and much more.
The program concluded with an inspiring Content for Change Exhibition at the NOFA Creative Space, where all (Jordanian and American) participants presented their projects. Highlights included “Beyond Our Silence”, a photo exhibition by Natalie Halaseh, a powerful visual data website created by Marwa Al Fawair’s visual report on migrant labor rights in Jordan, the impact of online addiction and gambling, an investigation into the threat of climate change on women farmers in the Jordan Valley and much more.






🎬 The beloved character Sehes continues to illuminate Jordanian culture. In the latest episode of our animated series Sehes visits the historic neighborhood of Jabal Al Lweibdeh in Amman to meet Ibrahim Al Ahlas, a young man reviving Jordan’s tradition of brewing tea over charcoal. Through his passion for tea, Ibrahim blends culture and community, one cup at a time.
👋 We’re excited to welcome intern Jamie Lu to the Wishbox Media team! Jamie is contributing to English research, writing, social media and with upcoming events. She holds a BA in Computer Science and Philosophy from Harvard University and is currently studying Arabic at Sijal Institute
🎬 We’re gearing up for the launch of our latest film about Jordanian human rights activist Asma Khader! We’re thrilled to bring this story to life and hope to see you at the upcoming release. You’re invited! Please RSVP here.
🗄️ From the archive
💼 Let’s rewind to May 12, 2024, when we joined a bustling job fair at the University of Jordan! The event brought together an impressive lineup of organizations and companies, and we had a fantastic time connecting with students and graduates who stopped by our booth. They explored our services and joined in on some fun interactive competitions. Plus, we gave away exciting prizes!
📺 Our media consumption
📰 We've been following Jeff Bezos’ recent move to end The Washington Post’s presidential endorsements—a choice that’s raising eyebrows in media and political circles alike. Some view this decision as Bezos aiming to sidestep controversy, with speculation it’s influenced by his other business interests or even pressures from political figures like Trump. This debate is also unfolding at the LA Times, where owner Patrick Soon-Shiong recently made a similar call. The growing question: do such shifts threaten the tradition of independent newspaper endorsements?
In more media news, The New York Times reported on the latest with digital outlet The Daily Beast as it “Tries to Claw Its Way Back to Relevance”. The Daily Beast is diversifying revenue through subscriptions, advertising, and events, drawing inspiration from successful models at other publications.
Another news item we have been paying attention to is BBC Director-General Tim Davie's speech at the Future Resilience Forum, where he stressed the BBC’s critical role in supporting democracy, fostering a strong creative economy, and enhancing social cohesion. Davie highlighted the importance of impartiality and factual reporting, noting that over 70% of nations lack a free press. He underscored the BBC's global impact, especially through the World Service, in combating disinformation from state-backed media like Russia and China. Davie also called for sustainable funding to secure the BBC's influence and role as a global soft power.
📩 Looking for fresh ways to tell your story, edit or produce a video, or design a report? We can help you do all of that and even turn your data into engaging infographics. We use photography, audio and environmental elements to tell stories. Today, we are still a small company, but deeply involved in media production. We're the first in Jordan to adapt that unique approach, inspired by The New York Times’ One in a Million series. Beyond documentaries, Wishbox Media also produces multimedia stories, infographics, feature articles, and much more.Get in touch, and let’s bring your ideas to life!
Send us a message: wishboxmediame@gmail.com