Elizabeth Mosima
5 May 2009
Even though freedom of expression exists to some extent in the country some media organs abuse their rights to freedom.
Journalism is a noble profession. Today, many young Cameroonians dream to practise journalism following the honour and pride attached to the profession. However, the profession is fast losing respect in the country. With the freedom of expression that exists n Cameroon today, some media organs abuse their rights to freedom. The freedom of expression enjoyed in the country has instead caused them to go against the ethics of the profession. Of late, the practice of journalism has focused on corruption within the media. The most common form of corruption is the "Gombo" or tips requested by journalists after work done.
Gombo is a practice resulting from journalists' attempt to combine individual and collective notions of personhood with responsibilities to society and the journalism profession in an environment of economic hardship and rampant corruption. Some journalists threaten officials and individuals in the society that they will publish information concerning them if they are not given money. Due to the freedom of expression some individuals in the society as well use the media as a medium for settling scores. As such, they give money to media houses and even provide them with information to tarnish the images of others.
Other newspapers only appear on the news stands periodically when there are sensational news events which can give them money. During this period they go about collecting money from various sources to publish questionable information in the name of freedom of expression. Media campaigns are organised and most often patronised by certain individuals who are the main sponsors, all to reap the benefits from it. This gives the impression that with some media houses, he who pays the piper determines the tune.
This notwithstanding, efforts are being made by the government to ensure that the different media houses respect the ethics of the profession. The celebration of the World Press Day last May 3 was another opportunity for media practitioners to reflect on the pertinent issues that tarnish the image of the profession.
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