Veteran Journalist, Academic, Prof Francis Wete Dies at 83

Respected veteran journalist and University Professor Francis Wete breathed his last this Thursday, December 25, in Yaounde at the age of 83.

The native of Bangoua in the West Region of Cameroon was a pivotal figure in media and academia, having served as the Deputy General Manager at the state broadcaster CRTV and as a lecturer at the Advanced School of Mass Communication (ASMAC).

Professor Wete’s budding career began in 1963 as a reporter and newscaster at Radio Cameroon. After his initial service, he sought higher education in Canada, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Bachelor of Journalism in 1969.

After returning to Radio Cameroon, he rose through the ranks over six years, serving as reporter, editor, head of programmes, and station manager.

His expertise led to his appointment in 1975 as Deputy Director of Press and Information in the Ministry of Information and Culture, where he was promoted to Director four years later.

A Fulbright Fellowship in 1982 enabled him to earn an MA (1983) and a PhD in Mass Communication (1986) from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

There, his academic excellence was recognized with the Superior Graduate Achievement Award and membership in the Kappa Tau Alpha honorary society. He also made history as the first African to be appointed editor of the university’s Freedom of Information Centre.

When Prof. Wete returned to Cameroon, he joined the University of Yaounde 2, where he held several administrative posts, including head of the Department of General Studies and the Department of Communication Sciences.

At the same time, he served as Inspector General in the Ministry of Communication (1993-2001) and as Deputy Director General of CRTV (2001-2016).

As an accomplished scholar, his research focused on media effects, news flow, and media management.

His research insights resulted in numerous published articles and book chapters.

Prof Francis Wete’s passing is the loss of a foundational pillar in Cameroon’s media landscape and higher education.