By NDUMBE BELL GASTON
The National Communication Council NCC has appealed to journalists in the Littoral region to practice responsible journalism at all times, especially during this period of socio-political, economic turbulence and twin elections in the nation.
Peter Essoka, president of the NCC and his collaborators, in the presence of the Douala Regional Delegate of Communications, Mrs Ngodi, echoed this message at the Governor’s office last February 5, 2020, to a strong presence of media practitioners, advising them to exercise restraint at verifying information or scoops and avoid libel and excesses so as to practice balanced reporting and also respect the law.
“We must have respect for the law; the law is the law until it changes”, stated the President, Peter Essoka.
The NCC officials reminded journalists on some aspects of their responsibility such as promoting national integrity, social harmony, regulating press freedom and applying sanctions even to certain programmes on the state broadcaster CRTV, for example.
According to Mme Lobe, “We are facilitators and in solidarity with you our colleagues”.
Journalists were again asked to promote the living together concept: “It is our pens that can destroy and it is these same pens that can build”, stated Peter Essoka.
On the proclamation of the results in line with the twin elections, journalists were seriously warned not to proclaim elections results in advance.
Earlier, journalists were applauded by the NCC President, for doing a good job so far despite the numerous challenges they face. He also encouraged media practitioners to write to the NCC in case they have any complaints.
The Littoral Delegate of Communications who assisted in organising the occasion reiterated that “Be responsible and follow their advice”.
Other press issues related to adverts and conflicts of community radios were also discussed.