Joseph Chebonkeng k. President of the National Communication Council
The National Communication Council (NCC) organized a national seminar on Hate Speech in the Media in Cameroon. The event which took place at the Djeuga Palace hotel in Yaounde on Monday June 26th aimed at raising awareness for media professionals, on ‘‘Mechanisms for eradicating hate speech in the media’’. Seven recommendations were advanced at the end of the seminar.
Organized under the auspices of the Prime Minister H.E. Joseph Dion Ngute, the seminar discussed the rise in hateful and divisive rhetoric in Cameroonian media in recent years, which could fuel tensions and violence.
The NCC reiterated that, one of its essential missions included ‘‘ensuring respect for social peace, national unity and integrity in the media; promotion of peace ideals, democracy, and human rights.’’
The minister of Post and Telecommunicatio
ns, Minette Li Likeng wand the minister of Communication, Rene Emmanuel Sadi who stood as the representative of prime minister Dion Ngute, both represented their ministries.
‘‘We think that by sharing ideas and opinion and getting what experts think about hate speech, that can help in playing down on this phenomenon which has reached a crisis situation. That is why we invited not only journalists, but panellists who are regular on the media, so that they can share their opinions. There are also academicians and politicians as well’’ said Joseph Chebonkeng K.
Participants and media actors were called upon to exercise more responsibility and refrain from publishing or broadcasting content that promotes hatred against groups based on ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation. They as well urged compliance with professional ethics and legal restrictions on hate speech.
‘‘we have come to realize that it is not what they say that matters, but how they say it’’ he added.
At the end of the day, 7 recommendations were brought up. These were addressed to the public powers, the regulators of social communication, the promoters and media professionals and to political parties and the civil society.
The NCC pledged to continue engaging with media houses and journalists’ groups to promote responsible and ethical journalism that avoids hate speech, discrimination and promotion of violence, while still promising to take necessary actions to sanction defaulters.
Sa'ah Siona Ikei, The Post Newspaper
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