The newly appointed members of the National Communication Council have unanimously taken a decision sanctioning some three journalists and media organs for unprofessional practices.
The decision was made public by NCC President, Joseph Chebongkeng Kalabubsu in Yaoundé Monday 5 July 2021 after examination of some cases of reported violation of professional ethics pending at the Council during their 28th extraordinary session which also aimed at launching the mandate of the newly elected members.
After deliberations, the media regulatory body decided to slam suspensions between one to six months. Sismondi Barlev Bidjocka, Director of Publication of RIS Radio was slammed a one month suspension in the case pitting him and honourable Cabral Libii.
The Director of Publication of “CONFIDENCES Magazine was slammed a six-month suspension alongside the magazine in a case with Senator Ngouchenghe Syvestre, President and CEO of CONGELCAM S.A, for carrying flyer bearing offensive remarks accusing him of taking the over the fortunes of a former Minister of Economy and Finance, for failing to adhere to professional requirements of investigation and balance in processing information.
In the third case, the Director of Publication for DBS TV, Marc Houessou was served a warning note and one of the journalist, Stive Joceyln Ngos given a one month suspension following the broadcast of what the NCC termed “unsubstantiated and offensive information likely to damage the good repute of the French Head of State and that of France’s image during a programme called “DBS Matin”. The NCC disclosed that the duo failed to answer three summons at the council.
Responding to questions from reporters at the close of the session, Chebongkeng, said the NCC hopes to deal with the aspect of hate speech sufficiently to be able to help Cameroonians understand the importance of communicating fairly without insulting people. This, he said, will be done through sensitization of the public with the help of the press.
He called on NCC members whom he described as gentlemen who ahev made their mark with time-tested worth to be persons of integrity, faithful to their post, and to know that Cameroonians have trust in them. He said without them doing their work as it should be, the press will not be what it is supposed to be.
He challenged journalist to effectively play their watchdog role of the society without biting for nothing but to help guide the society and prevent quacks from coming in to destroy the noble profession. Harping on the issue of multi journalism associations, Chebongkeng said the associations are there to help the NCC in its consultative role on how things can be improved upon in the country and the profession at large and come up with a platform on how to better communicate and tackle issues related to social communication in the country.
He stressed that the law will come down in full force on those who will deviate from the realities of the profession. “We are not here to muzzle the press nor are we here to sanction individuals, but that doesn’t mean that people who are found guilty of violating professional ethics will not be sanctioned. The law will come down in full force on those who deviate from the realities of what this noble profession calls us to…” Chebongkeng said.
By Doh Bertrand Nua
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