On tour of media organs in Douala: NCC calls on media practitioners to uphold professionalism, ethics.

He made the call Tuesday September 3, on the first day of his working visit to some media organs in Douala. The visit is part of a broader effort to enhance regulatory oversight and ensure adherence to the standards governing the media sectors. 

The tour commenced with a visit to Spectrum Television, STV, before proceeding to Equinoxe Television. This initiative is integral to the NCC's mission to monitor and enforce regulations concerning radio and TV broadcast programmes, as well as print media. The overarching aim is to ensure that media institutions adhere to established rules and ethical standards.

First stop at STV

At STV, NCC boss and his team were met with a warm reception. The NCC delegation commended the channel for its efforts and the dedication of staff. Kalabubse emphasised the importance of upholding journalistic ethics and adhering to the principles of professionalism in media practices. 

The NCC called on the STV team to go for high standards in their choice of guests, the topics of their programmes, and the overall production and broadcasting processes.

The STV board received these remarks positively. They expressed appreciation for the NCC's feedback and highlighted their commitment to upholding media ethics. However, they also requested that the NCC balances its regulatory approach with recognition of the efforts made by journalists to keep the public informed. 

The STV team hoped for a constructive partnership with the NCC, emphasising the need for mutual respect and acknowledgment of the media’s role in society.

Second stop Equinoxe 

The atmosphere at Equinoxe TV was different from that at STV. The visit was overshadowed by recent tensions following sanctions imposed on the channel. Equinoxe TV had faced a one-month suspension for one of its major programmes, ‘Droit De Reponse’, along with a warning to the channel’s proprietor and the suspension of a journalist. This incident set the stage for a contentious meeting.

Upon arrival, the NCC delegation was met with a somber reception. Staff at Equinoxe TV, dressed in black, demonstrated their frustration with the sanctions and previous disciplinary actions. 

The channel’s personnel voiced their grievances, expressing concerns about perceived injustices and the impact of the sanctions on their operations.

The meeting did not unfold smoothly, as the Equinoxe TV team asked the NCC to wait until the agreed-upon meeting time of 1 p.m., despite the delegation’s arrival at few minutes pass 12 noon. When the discussion finally commenced, it was marked by a clash of perspectives. 

The NCC team, after listening to Equinoxe’s concerns, reiterated their stance on regulatory compliance. The meeting briefly ended with a call for Equinoxe TV to reassess its approach and align more closely with regulatory expectations, as the NCC boss and delegation demonstrated dissatisfaction with the way the way they were welcomed by Equinoxe TV.

NCC’s position and future outlook

Following the first day of the tour, President Kalabubse reflected on the challenges encountered. He underscored that media regulation is a common practice globally, not unique to Cameroon. The primary objective of the visit, he noted, was to engage in dialogue with media houses to address and rectify any issues.

Kalabubse reinforced the NCC’s commitment to enforcing media regulations, stating, “the National Communication Council will sanction any media house or press organ that refuses to conform to the rules and regulations”. 

He warned that sanctions could range from one to six months and that persistent non-compliance could lead to the complete shutdown of a media house.

The NCC’s leadership expressed concern over current journalism practices and the media landscape in Cameroon. They stressed the necessity for media professionals to adopt a culture of responsibility and accountability. The council emphasised the importance of implementing ethical standards and maintaining professional integrity within the media sector.

The NCC’s tour of media houses in Douala represents a critical step in reinforcing regulatory frameworks and ensuring adherence to journalistic standards. 

While the visit to STV was constructive, the contentious interactions at Equinoxe TV highlights ongoing challenges in media regulation. 

As the NCC continues its role, the leadership says, it remains committed to balancing regulatory enforcement with support for media professionals, aiming to foster a responsible and ethical media environment in Cameroon.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3220 of Thursday, September 5, 2024