Digital, Edgy, and the Voices Redefining News
Digital storytellers, podcasters, independent journalists, and creators are reshaping the media landscape.
Journalism is no longer what it used to be. The days of relying solely on newspapers and nightly broadcasts are over. Digital platforms now dominate, and independent voices are shaping the news alongside traditional outlets.
Reflecting this shift, US Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has announced that independent journalists, podcasters, social media influencers, and content creators will now be included in press briefings. This move acknowledges a crucial reality: trust in legacy media is fading, and people—especially younger audiences—are turning to diverse, digital-first sources for information.
Meanwhile, the USAID funding freeze is having major consequences for NGOs and independent media in Jordan, threatening financial stability and long-term sustainability. Like many initiatives globally, our USAID Makanati project has been paused, making it more important than ever to diversify revenue sources to sustain independent journalism.
That’s why at Wishbox Media, we are actively exploring new models of storytelling, audience engagement, and funding. This transformation, while challenging, also fuels innovation in media and broadens who gets to shape the news. We’re excited to announce the launch of our YouTube channel this month, and we remain committed to producing innovative stories and reports that challenge narratives and provide fresh perspectives.
Join us as we track and analyze these shifts, shaping the next chapter of media together.
Warm wishes,
Rana F. Sweis
Founder, Wishbox Media Company
💡 What we've been up to
🌐 We are thrilled to announce a new agreement with Sims Creation Company, a leader in marketing, advertising, and IT solutions. We signed a Memorandum of Understanding, which marks a step towards collaborative innovation and growth in the digital media and business development sectors.
🔍 Last month, we released an infographic in collaboration with Makanati and USAID, highlighting key legal reforms needed to enhance Jordanian women’s economic participation and tackle ongoing challenges. This is the second in a series of infographics, showcasing one of the many layout and design services we offer.
🌟 Please join us in welcoming our newest interns, Marwa and Iman, to the Wishbox Media team! Marwa is passionate about languages and writing and is eager to make her mark in journalism and media. Iman, a third-year student at Yale University, brings strong research and writing skills to our storytelling and projects.
🖥️ We've been busy refreshing our online presence! Don't miss out on exploring our updated website where you can find detailed information about our services and view our past work. Stay tuned for the launch of our new portfolio.
📹 Are you excited about video content? Visit our new YouTube channel to catch all our media productions. Our debut video takes you on a thrilling journey through Amman with our charismatic character Sehes. Just double click below and you can interact with the video!
🗄️ From the archive
🎨 We are revisiting our collaborative virtual art exhibition held with the support of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, showcasing over 35 artworks by 15 Jordanian artists. This project, spanning nearly two years, has supported young artists and content creators. Themes range widely from politics to personal experiences, highlighting the vibrant cultural discourse in Jordan.
📺 Our media consumption
🎧 We enjoyed listening to Jessica Lessin on the "Mixed Signals" podcast, where she discusses the evolving roles of robotics and AI in media, highlighting their significant but slow-moving impact on how content is created and consumed. For more insights into the future of media technology, check out the full episode here.
📚 An article worth checking out is Will Tavlin's "Casual Viewing" in n+1, publication, which delves into how Netflix transformed media consumption but also viewer habits and the entertainment industry. For a deeper understanding of Netflix's strategies and their broader implications, check out the full article on n+1's website.
📩 Looking for fresh ways to tell your story, produce a video, or design a report? Get in touch, and let’s bring your ideas to life!