Media Promotion : MINCOM Presents Situation

Communication Minister, René Sadi has presented an evaluation of the working conditions of journalists in Cameroon, particularly privately owned press, the impact of these conditions on the quality of editorial productions and on the profession, and has outlined measures taken and recommended to improve the legislative framework with a view of better revitalizing communication in the country. He made the presentation on November 22, 2022 during an information and exchange forum with members of the Committee on Cultural Affairs of the National Assembly which has as President, Hon Douvaouissa Aissa of the UNDP. 
In essence, the Minister was requested to provide ample information on the working conditions of journalists in Cameroon, who, according to the lawmakers have expressed complaints of non-existence of employment contracts in the majority of cases, low level of wages, irregularity of their payment, non-payment of social rights to the NSIF, the precariousness of jobs etc.
Edifying the lawmakers, the Minister said the working conditions of journalist is governed by the December 19, 1990 law on freedom of social communication and the political will of President Paul Biya at enhancing the democratic process through the promotion of fundamental freedoms, in particular, that of the press. “However, if we can be satisfied with the path covered, it is clear that the Cameroonian press, particularly that with private capital, despite its plurality of tone, its great diversity and its editorial abundance, continues to experience a precarious economic situation, which has an impact on the working conditions of professionals in this sector of activity, he stated. The Minister added that the situation creates an impact on the quality of editorial productions and on the profession. “It should be noted, even deplored, that some journalists, with the sole aim of improving their living conditions, have deliberately chosen to distingui...