Douala: The 45th ordinary session of the National Communication Council (NCC) addressed eight cases, resulting in sanctions for seven and the dismissal of one. Among these, three cases involved the Douala-based channel, Equinox TV.
According to Cameroon News Agency, the NCC expressed concerns over the increasing presence of hate speech and seditious discourse in the media. Despite efforts over the past seven years, including 10 educational press releases, 37 warning letters to various media entities, and organizing two national seminars on eradicating hate speech, the phenomenon continues to grow.
Equinox TV faced significant penalties, including the suspension of Ndingmour Cedric, the presenter of ’10-12 Le Zenith’, from practicing journalism in Cameroon for one month due to allegations against Peter Mafani Musonge. Cedric was also banned for two months over ‘unverified’ information concerning ‘Big Joe’ rice. Additionally, the program ‘Droit de Response’ was sanctioned for a month, and its presenter, Gnakw
a Cedric, received a two-month suspension for making ‘abusive and offensive remarks’ against a Cameroon citizen. The Equinox TV General Manager received a warning letter as part of these sanctions.
In Douala, My Media Prime also faced NCC action. The English broadcasting television’s presenter, Tchokoga Sylvain, was banned for one month following a complaint that he read a message inciting hatred and stigmatization against an ethnic community on ‘Vitrine 237’. Consequently, the program was suspended for a month.
Premiere Heure, La Primeur Info, and Info TV were also sanctioned for issues such as unfounded accusations and contentious remarks. Meanwhile, the NCC dismissed a case against Mvila Community Development Radio regarding fact misrepresentation during Paul Biya’s return in October 2024, although the station’s manager received a warning for addressing issues outside the scope of its mandate.
As Cameroonians await the NCC’s next session, attention turns to the pending case involving MRC chair Kamto and
some national papers.