By Ntumfor Barr. Nico Halle
Would it not be an unforgivable gaffe if the National Patron of CAMASEJ, CENPA etc forgets to remember this land mark celebration and commune with the entire Media Family?
Such an event affords members and stakeholders of the Media to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats;(SWOT) of their platform.
After carefully monitoring the Cameroonian media for quite a while, I can aver without any iota of doubt on my mind that it is waxing very strong. Most of the journalists are more than ever before committed to investigative journalism thereby observing "best practices" principle. Reading through a cross section of the publications, I come away with the impression that the media are becoming more and more devoted to professionalism.
It would be honest to note that the growth of our Democracy is largely due to the whistle blowing role played by the media. The media has for the most part fought the panel beating of the Constitution of the Republic of Cameroon. The media has equally fought electioneering without pity.
Another area where the media has played a major role is in exposing embezzlers, corruption and graft specialists.
In short the Press has fought moral decadence in all its forms. On this score I make bold to congratulate the Press.
As regards weaknesses, I must say that we still have some sporadic sensational publications that do more harm than good to the image of the media family. If the various Press Unions or Associations can deal with the above vices, I bet you we can boast of the best Media in most of Africa. I am widely traveled, hence well placed to compare the media platforms of various countries.
Yet the media has failed in the fight against Hate Speech which has caused a lot of damage to the peace that we should enjoy. I challenge the media to tackle Hate Speech, the monster.
On the Front of opportunities, it would be more gainful if the Press diversified its portfolio. Here I mean exploiting the areas of multiculturalism. Cameroon being a country blessed with many tribes and traditions. This beauty should be showcased as a special asset for the country.
There is also the area of folklore which still has not been sufficiently exploited.
With regard to threats, one can advise that the Press should constitute itself into a powerful force to reckon with. It should protect its members against overzealous citizens who only have use for them when it comes to singing their praises. It has been a common practice that the Press is usually used and dumped by unscrupulous Cameroonians and self-serving individuals. The Press most watch out henceforth.
The Press should also press for enough subvention from the State which will help it run well without becoming vulnerable to the beck and call of people who would bribe them to do their dirty jobs.
Access to information still seems to be a major setback in our Society. There can be no credible Press without access to information.
It is however known that classified information cannot be accessed by the Press.
Press freedom should be exploited properly, knowing that the right to freedom is not a blank cheque. Rights also have obligations that must be respected by all Press professionals.
Finally, on the occasion of the celebration of the World Press Freedom day, I wish to dedicate my latest Award from the Nigerian government to the Cameroonian Press for their huge sacrifices in Nation Building. May God continue to protect you as you discharge your very daunting task with little or no resources.
Happy World Press Freedom Day to you ALL.
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