The National Communication Council (NCC), has imposed sanctions against five newspaper practitioners, including journalists and publishers. It cited unprofessional publications as the basis for the punitive measures.
The president of the NCC, Joseph Chebonkeng, recently announced the range of suspensions, varying from one to two months, targeting those who reportedly violated professional standards.
Mbong Mbog Matip, the publisher of Climat Social newspaper, faces a two-month suspension for publishing what the NCC deemed “unfounded statements” against Mekoulou Mvondo Akame.
Meanwhile, Le Point newspaper was instructed to correct a publication that risked tarnishing the reputation of the interim Minister of Mines, Prof Fuh Calistus.
Meanwhile, journalist Ettienne Owono from Le Point received a two-month suspension in connection with the incident.
Ndiomo Zachary, the publisher of Le Zenith, and journalist Alice Susan Penda faced suspension from the NCC for alleged non-compliance with professional requirements, particularly in terms of balance and fairness.
Addressing a case filed by the General Manager of Congelcam SA, the NCC handed down a one-month suspension against the publisher as well as a reporter of L’Independant newspaper.
However, the Council dismissed a complaint from the board chair of the Cameroon Music Arts Corporation against a journalist from Equinox TV.
This latest series of sanctions adds to the numerous penalties the NCC has imposed on media practitioners and outlets throughout the year.
Critics argue that the regulatory body has been disproportionately targeting the private media, raising concerns about government interference with press freedom in Cameroon.
In June, the NCC sanctioned journalists from four media organizations, including the indefinite ban of Voice Radio for “repeatedly broadcasting unsubstantiated and offensive comments.”
The NCC has also issued warnings to media outlets, particularly in the audiovisual sector, cautioning against “inappropriate, discourteous, despicable, indecent, and aggressive behavior and statements during interactive programs.”
Journalists contend that the NCC’s increasing efforts to regulate the press signal a broader government crackdown on media freedom in Cameroon.
The most dramatic attempt to silence the Press occurred in September, when the Governor of the South West Region issued an indefinite ban on the country’s oldest English Language newspaper, The Post, for a publication that it never published.
This was followed by a one-month suspension from the NCC against the media organ and its publisher.
Most recently, The popular English Language daily, The Guardian Post’s publisher was arbitrarily arrested in connection with a manipulated front page of the paper.
Mimi Mefo Info
