CAMASEJ Bamenda, CRTV Explore Strategies To Bridge Gap Between Public, Independent Media


Family Photo Of CRTV Journalists, and Their Counterparts Of Independent Media 


By Raymond Dingana 

Members of the Bamenda chapter of the Cameroon Association of English Speaking Journalists, CAMASEJ Bamenda, and media practitioners in North West Regional Station of the Cameroon Radio and Television CRTV NW, have examined strategies to bridge the gab that exists between journalists of the Public, and independent media.

This was during a panel discussion that followed a visit by CAMASEJ Bamenda members to CRTV NW, Wednesday February 26,2025.

Led by Sah Terence Animbom, President of CAMASEJ Bamenda, the aim of the visit was to tear down all barriers thwarting effective collaboration between journalists of state owned CRTV NW, and those of the independent media. He stated that 

"what unites journalists in the region is far greater than what divides them, and that coming together in a panel discussion was a way to safeguard their common bond which is journalism."


CAMASEJ Bamenda President Emeritus Sharing Experience During Panel Discussions 

For many years now, there has been a perceived divide between journalists in public media institutions like CRTV and those in private media outlets. This division has led to unhealthy competition, mistrust, and limited collaboration, creating an environment where journalists struggle to work together effectively. 

The divide was so serious that on the field, these two groups of journalists were hardly seen discussing with one another. Even greeting colleagues was difficult. On the field , while journalists of the private sector are always together, those from the state media remained in their own corners, as if to say a cold war was raging between them.

        Bridging the Gap

To address what many described as a cold war between these two groups of journalists, CAMASEJ Bamenda decided to visit CRTV NW, where a roundtable discussion took place to understand the divide and explore ways to bridge it. Charles Tembei, Manager of CRTV NW, emphasized the need to close this gap.


CRTV NW Manager, Charles Tembei During The Panel Discussions 

During discussions, it was indicated that the gap exists due to factors such as unfriendliness among journalists, feelings of inferiority, and the behavior of some event organizers, who have contributed greatly to widening the divide. By prioritizing CRTV and treating independent media as if they don't exist or are irrelevant, event organizers have exacerbated the situation.

The Way Forward for Effective Collaboration

To close the gap, journalists in the region suggested strengthening the spirit of collaboration. They highlighted the need to overcome feelings of inferiority and to organize joint trainings for journalists from both sectors, particularly in technology, including artificial intelligence among others.


Emmanuel Che Tchinda Of CRTV In Action


It was also suggested that opportunities be shared among journalists, enabling those in independent media to benefit from various resources and improve their livelihoods.

Why Many CRTV NW Journalists Left CAMASEJ Bamenda

Collaboration would be greatly enhanced if those who left the association were to renew their membership. Many cited the WhatsApp platform as having everything but professionalism, indicating that it was treated more like a social group than a professional forum. They hope to see the platform regain its professional status.



Laarry Uchena Sharing With Other Journalists


The journalists agreed to work together for the growth of journalism in the North West Region, and potentially throughout Cameroon as a whole.

CAMASEJ Bamenda is optimistic about witnessing an increase in membership, as many CRTV journalists expressed their willingness to join the association, while former members indicated plans to renew their membership.


Drayinfos.com



Comments

OJ SLIM MEDIA said…
Great move by CAMASEJ NW. And well captured by Drayinfo
February 26, 2025 at 1:42 PM
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