NewsWatch fetes a decade with difference albeit challenges.

Ndi was speaking during a ceremony in Yaounde last August 19. The event was to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of the existence of NewsWatch newspaper.

The event was placed under the patronage of the Minister of Communication, Rene Emmanuel Sadi. It was presided on behalf of Minister Rene Sadi by the Inspector General at the Ministry of Communication, Metuge Philip Ekaney.

The highpoint of the anniversary was award of distinctions to some meritorious Cameroonians and organisations carefully selected from almost all walks of life for their selfless contribution to nation building. It also featured unveiling of the third edition of NewsWatch Magazine. 

The crowd pulling ceremony brought together representatives of diplomatic services accredited to Yaounde, national dignitaries, renowned civil society actors, traditional rulers, journalism heavyweights among other personalities. 

‘A decade with difference’

Addressing guests at the event, NewsWatch Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Ndi Eugene Ndi, said the 10 years of existence is “a remarkable milestone” in the history of the newspaper which is dedicated to reporting stories about people, sports and lifestyle and providing high-quality and independent journalism to Cameroonians.

Retracing the history of NewsWatch from creation to when it started publishing on July 30, 2013, after securing state authorisation, Ndi appreciated the contribution of founding fathers including Roland Akong, Theodore Mih Ndze, Fon Philemon and Eugene Nforngwa, to making the newspaper find its feet within the media landscape. 

He also acknowledged the role of other exceptional editors who are not directly linked to the newsroom but who have greatly supported NewsWatch on its road to greatness. 

Ndi also paid tribute to Marcel Abanda, NewsWatch Bureau Chief for Donga Mantung from creation who died in April 2020, leaving behind a wife and kids.

“I am therefore announcing that part of the funds raised from this event will be used to assist the children continue their education,” he promised. 

‘Stumbled & fell but not broken’

Ndi said at creation, they had no idea whether or not the project was going to succeed. “Like any other media organs in the country – at least those that are independent, NewsWatch has had its own ups and downs. We stumbled and fell but we were not broken,” he said. 

The Publisher reiterated that their goal from creation has been to and remains “telling stories beyond just the breaking news or what is announced in press releases”.

“Ten years have passed in a moment and we have stayed true to our objective and dedicatedly kept to our mission – reporting news from a Cameroonian perspective - providing the public with information they need to be free and self-governing in a democratic society and enterprising economy,” Ndi stated.

Staying true to their mission and vision 10 years on, Ndi said, has made NewsWatch to become “one of the leading English-language media outlets in the country, reputed as a great vehicle of dissemination of precise and accurate information and a go-to media outlet of choice for many government and diplomatic institutions in the country today”. 

Zoom on challenges faced within past ten years 

Surviving ten years in the country’s risky media landscape, NewsWatch Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, said has not been a bed of roses. 

“Like every other media organ in the country, NewsWatch has been through several challenges including the lack of advertisements which is the livewire of every media organ. But we have not compromised our standards to make money,” he said, noting this could not have been possible without “the terrific support from trusted partners and readers”. 

Amid the challenges over the past decade, Ndi said NewsWatch has forged a particular bond with its readers and partners within the competitive media landscape. 

The feedback from partners and readers, NewsWatch boss said, has been “encouraging and sometimes brutal” and “has greatly helped us shape the newspaper to what it is today”. 

Announces major innovations, resolve to do more 

NewsWatch, Ndi said, has over years “strived and made efforts to stand out, ensuring no one hijacks it”. He said some newsmakers have been kept out in the process but the newspaper has not gone to attack them.

NewsWatch, Ndi added, will not relent but “look forward to serving its readers and having an even greater impact in the years to come”. 

“To the editorial team, thank you very much for the sacrifices. We have a lot of hard work ahead of us. We expect nothing less. Innovation is a prerequisite for survival and success in news media. Yet because of your backing, we can approach the future with the same confidence that characterised our first decade,” he said. 

The Publisher said NewsWatch is adapting to the changing times and embracing technology and getting more active online. 

“The hope is that as we enter the new decade, NewsWatch will be able to serve the needs of its virtual audiences more and more,” he promised. The event was spiced with enthralling performances from many artists and ended with heavy feasting.