Visionary Reports

Over 30 Journalists converged in Bafoussam for two days to gain skills on their social responsibilities in the digital era.

 Members of the Cameroon Journalists Trade Union (CJTU) have upgraded their skills on how to be socially responsible in their day-to- activity. This was during a two day workshop organized by the national office of CJTU with sponsorship from the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung. The Bafoussam workshop brought together over 30 journalists from the North West and West chapters of the trade union.

While opening the workshop, the national president of CJTU Mr. Denis Nkwebo reminded journalists of their role in the society. He said the population looks on them for reliable information as such members of CJTU should be well behaved to meet up with the challenge.  He urged media practitioners to respect the principles of good journalism so as to command respect from the public. With the numerous checks to press freedom in Cameroon, he called on journalists to always stand and defend the truth. He requested them not to be influenced by the big wigs of the society neither should their publications be influenced by money.

  From the 7^th – 8^th of August, journalists received lessons From Barrister Roland Dieuwouon on “Journalism in the cyber space: what does the law say?”, Franklin Kamche was around to dish out notes on “ Ethics, professionalism and the social responsibilities of the journalists”, just to name a few.

In one of the presentations on “Journalism in the Digital age: new media and new challenges”, Mrs Marion Obam , media consultant, requested  the media men and women  to always verify information received from social media before publication.  She said to remain credible, journalists should always take off time to get the facts right and should not be carried away by the social media rush. She edified the journalists on the three categories of trolls in the cyber space which include the teasers, the aggressors and the wicked. She also taught the media men and women on how to handle attacks and assaults on the social media.

 Meanwhile the national president of CJTU, Denis Nkwebo also educated the soldiers of the pen on the  activities of trade union. He said they are out to defend the rights of journalists in Cameroon.  At the end of the workshop, the media men and women came out with some recommendations to better the journalism profession in Cameroon.  The resident representative of the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, Nina Netzer appreciated participants for their show of commitment throughout the workshop. She said her foundation will always standby  journalists for the growth of the profession.

Reactions

 “We have been reminded on our social Responsibility”

-Rosaline Aka Oba- Participant

“The workshop reminded us appropriately on our social responsibility as media practitioners. Most often we go to events looking shabby without identification badges. These often make event organizers to look down on us. If we respect ourselves we will be respected by the society.   The workshop has cautioned us on the ethics of the profession and how to behave well in the society so as to command respect. If we are socially responsible we will definitely attain good results.  Society expect much from us, they look on us to give them information that will enable them make informed decisions consequently we have to be up to standards. As the fourth arm of the state we definitely have to comport ourselves and follow the rules and deontology of the profession. The workshop upgraded our capacities to meet up the challenges of the time”.

– Bakah Derick -President CJTU North West- Participant

“It was an important workshop to attend, as a person my knowledge on trade unionism and its importance to the media was very limited. The workshop gave room for me to be sufficiently empowered on what is expected from a trade unionist. I also think that highlighting issues surrounding the cyber security law was very important and relevant. It will lead us on how we can gather news from the cyber space. It was also good as we were able to learn   how to stay useful on the social media.

 As a leader of a trade union, it was very important, I cannot lead people on a concept that I do not master. It was very useful for me to have gained knowledge from the national chapter. The North West chapter is new  and now we know how we are going to function. With the knowledge gained , I can better defend members  and also share knowledge about trade unionism”.