Kristian Ngah Christian, Interim President of the Federation of Cameroon Newspaper Publishers (FEDIPRESSE) and head of the Cameroon English Language Newspaper Publishers Association (CENPA), has expressed deep frustration over the state of private media in Cameroon.
He described the government’s financial support to the sector as grossly inadequate, especially given the rising costs of production and taxes.
Speaking in Yaoundé after a meeting of the National Commission for the Scrutiny of Applications of State Institutional Support to Private-Owned Press Organs, Ngah lamented the hardships faced by more than 600 private media outlets in the country.
The session, chaired by Professor Felix Zogo on behalf of Communication Minister René Emmanuel Sadi, announced an allocation of 140 million FCFA for 2024, up from 119 million FCFA last year.
Ngah criticised the marginal increase, calling it an embarrassment.
“You know, whenever the government is announcing the so-called subvention to the private media, to us in the private media, it is a period to mourn,” Ngah stated.
“We have more than 600 media organs in Cameroon, and when the government budgets 140 million FCFA, I think it is something we should be ashamed to talk about in public.
“ln smaller countries like Chad and Gabon, we are talking of 5 billion FCFA yearly, for less than 20 media organs in subventions,” he said.
The media mogul further criticised the government for ignoring recommendations made by the private press over the past five years, accusing them of discarding suggestions without consideration.
Meanwhile, in a statement read by Professor Zogo, Minister Sadi conveyed President Paul Biya’s commitment to supporting the media. He highlighted the modest increase in funding as part of efforts to build a resilient press capable of adapting to technological and economic challenges.
The meeting also reviewed 65 funding applications, approving 51 beneficiaries for this year’s package.
Ngah, however, maintained that the private press in Cameroon faces a bleak future unless meaningful reforms are implemented to address its financial struggles.
