The celebration of World Radio Day in Yaoundé took place from February 12 to February 13, 2025, at the CRTV Radio House. The event featured various activities, including speeches from prominent figures, visits to radio archives, and tributes to legendary broadcasters.
The event commenced with a ribbon-cutting ceremony presided over by the Minister of Communication, who is also the President of CRTV’s Board of Directors. He was warmly welcomed at the National Radio Station before officially launching the celebrations.
During the event, Professor Modzom, Director of the Advanced School of Mass Communication, highlighted the significance of passion and dedication in radio broadcasting. He encouraged media professionals to approach their work with sincerity and commitment.
Honour for Legends
Cameroon’s legendary radio voices were honoured for their contributions to journalism and for keeping the public informed. Among the celebrated journalists were Joe Chebonkeng, Ibrahim Cherif, Alain Blaise Batongue, and Chitah Bile. They shared anecdotes from their careers and educated young attendees on the history of media in Cameroon. Radio presenters like Manka Ambe and Lucy Bumah also participated in an outdoor live broadcast at the National Radio Station.
Students from various institutions explored archives and learnt about the evolution of radio broadcasting in Cameroon, from its early days to the present..
Minister Emmanuel René Sadi spoke about the rapid expansion of the media landscape in Cameroon over the past 32 years. He credited President Paul Biya’s policies for fostering democratization and liberalization, noting that the country now has around 700 press outlets, 100 television stations, and over 200 radio stations, including community radio stations.
The Director-General of CRTV, Charles Ndongo, emphasized the vital role of radio in education, information dissemination, and environmental awareness. He stated that CRTV must continue supporting the government’s efforts in educating the population and promoting environmental policies.
“As a public service, CRTV must more than ever acompany the governments efforts in educating the population and implementing environmental policies through its national sations” he said.
Charles Ndongo also paid tribute to veteran journalists Peter Essoka and Abel Mbengue, who inspired his career in journalism. He acknowledged the shift in radio consumption to digital platforms like computers, tablets, and smartphones but reassured that this transition does not lessen radio’s impact.
The celebration of World Radio Day at CRTV reaffirmed the enduring relevance of radio in Cameroon. The event also served as a reminder of the importance of preserving the rich history of radio while embracing modern advancements in the industry.
