Private Media In Cameroon : Challenges, Perspectives …

The private press in Cameroon, just like any other part of the world, refers to media organisations owned and operated by individuals or corporations which are not the government. Statistics indicate that these outlets are typically funded by advertising, subscriptions, or sales.
Given some constraints and preoccupations presented by proprietors of the private press in Cameroon, the government set up the media aid scheme, as a form of assistance to these people of the fourth estate. Unfortunately, the media aid is experiencing some setbacks, with the package having declined from FCFA 250 million in 2016 to FCFA 127 million in 2024.
As a means therefore of promoting democracy and the rule of law, while promoting an economically vibrant press in Cameroon, the cabinet meeting for the month of May examined constraints and strides within the framework of the State institutional support to private media. This was against the backdrop of some challenges presented by media men as they commemorated the 2025 edition of the World Press Freedom Day. Some of the challenges highlighted included precarious working conditions principally caused by limited resources, financial struggles, and inadequate social security. 
At the end of deliberations, the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Joseph Dion Ngute instructed the Minister of Communication to prioritise awareness-raising and training for all stakeholders, as well as ensure the effectiveness of support granted to the media to promote their economic viability. This is in addition to other measures already envisaged by government, as presented by the Minister of Communication, René Emmanuel Sadi during the meeting. “We have considered the reinstatement of a special fund. This could be done through levies on the huge profits that some operators in this sector are making. Then, we are also considering relying on the digital dividend with the arrival of Digital T...