Reporting During Crisis Moments: NCC Stresses Responsibility

 Below is a press release after its 11th extraordinary session held in Yaounde on October 4

“The President of the National Communication Council informs media professionals and public opinion that on October 4, 2017, this autonomous regulatory authority held its 11th extraordinary session, in accordance with the provisions of the January 23, 2012 decree reorganizing the NCC. At this session, the agenda dealt mainly with the challenge of information gathering and dissemination by the media in times of crisis.
After members of the Council looked into this crucial issue, it was established that while the nation traverses a critical chapter in its life, characterized by a crisis with epicenters in the Far North, North West and South West Regions, some journalists have been taking stances and voicing opinions that defy the requisite professional tenets of neutrality and responsibility, and inciting violence and disunity through hate speech.
On the basis of the pertinent provision of section 4 of the January 23, 2012 decree reorganizing the NCC which stipulates that the Council ensures respect for social peace, national unity and integration in all media, the national communication council vehemently condemns such practices which are clearly in breach of journalism ethics.
From the foregoing, the National Communication Council, which in no way seeks to put the sacrosanct principle of press freedom enshrined in our nation’s consti...