Cintia A. , Lebledparle.com
In a recent press release, the National Communication Council (NCC) denounced the resurgence of hateful and violent speech in the Cameroonian media. The Council points out that while freedom of the press is guaranteed, it must not be used to circulate content that incites hatred or violence. It warns media outlets of penalties should they found guilty of such contents.
Lebledparle.com presents the full text of the press release below:
NATIONAL COMMUNICATION COUNCIL
N° 000001/CNC/2023/PC/56/CT
COMMUNIQUÉ
The National Communication Councili informs media promoters, publication directors and presenters of interactive programmes that the Council, through its monitoring of their respective content, has observed the recurrence of hateful and violent comments, the widespread abuse of language and disrespectful attitudes towards individuals, public and private institutions.
Aware that such behaviors are in no way consistent with the core principles of information, education and social cohesion that define the profession of journalist, the Council wishes to clarify:
Firstly, in order to safeguard freedom of the press and freedom of expression, the Council acknowledges that it is not within it’s mandate to question the editorial line of the media, or interfere with their choice of panellists;
However, the Council emphasises that when the exercise of this freedom repeatedly veers towards hate speech and linguistic or physical violence, this constitutes a breach of professional ethics and deontology, which will henceforth be dealt with firmly, particularly temporary or permanent suspension of the programmes or outlets in question.
Secondly, the Council notes that the regularity of these practices, which are at odds with professional standards, is likely to seriously damage Cameroon’s image both within and outside its borders.
The Council also commits to requesting international publishers who relay the programmes of media guilty of repeated professional misconduct, to promptly withdraw them from their broadcasting packages.
The President
Joseph CHEBONGKENG KALABUBSU
