Shake-up at NCC: Biya dumps Essoka in favour of another CRTV retiree, Joe Chebonkeng

A Presidential decree this Friday, June 4, announcing Joe Chebongkeng as the new President of Cameroon’s National Communication Council (NCC) has been received by journalists in the country with mixed feelings. While many say it is just some new wine in old wineskin, others says it is a mere exchange of rooms by two brothers in the same house.

Peter Essoka’s stay at the council’s helm had been reduced to that of a toothless bulldog. His mandate was marked by praise-singing, favoritism of some media organs and the education of majority of anglophone organs.

Public opinion holds that Joe has also been groomed in the state broadcaster, CRTV just like Essoka and would be in same shoes like his predecessor.

According to Jackson, a Bamenda based journalist with a local newspaper, Joe’s management of the CRTV’s Sunday political programme, press hour speaks loud of his alliances with the regime in power.

“Joe will only be a replica of Peter, groomed by the same master. Joe Chebongkeng shall lead the council referred to by media professionals as a “toothless bulldog” institution for the next few years renewable once by the Head of State.

“Joe has the most daunting task to give NCC the face of a structure with authority. NCC under Essoka has been a shadow of itself as a media regulatory organ,” Grace said.

Prior to his appointment, Joe Chebongkeng has served in varied capacities in the National State broadcaster, CRTV. He moved from the sports desk, newsroom and anchor of the main English political TV talkshow, Press Hour.

The coming of Enow Tanjong into NCC has been described by many anglophone journalists as apt recognition of a media collusius who has contributed enormously to anglophone journalism.

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