Cacophony between ANECDOTE GROUP, NCC,MINCOM and the Judiciary
Statement by the Cameroon Journalists’ Trade Union (CJTU)
Responsibility and Freedom: CJTU rejects the politisation of Media Regulations
The National Executive Bureau (NEB) of the Cameroon Journalists’ Trade Union (CJTU) is following with particular attention the controversy arising from sanctions imposed by the National Communication Council (NCC) against Vision 4, journalist Thaddée Martial Owona and Boni Meyene Philippe, Director-General of the Anecdote media group.
On 29 September 2026, the NCC suspended Vision 4 for one month, Thaddée Martial Owona for six months and Boni Meyene Philippe for one month. These sanctions followed an earlier regulatory measure concerning a report broadcast by Vision 4 and what the regulator described as conduct amounting to defiance of its authority.
CJTU reiterates a fundamental principle: there can be no press freedom without responsibility, and no genuine responsibility without freedom.
CJTU does not defend professional misconduct, violations of human dignity, false information, insults or unbalanced reporting. Journalism must be based on truth, verification, respect for human dignity and balance. Press freedom is not a licence to insult, defame or manipulate.
Individuals must be held accountable for their actions, where necessary, through procedures that respect their rights of defence and due process. Responsibility must first and foremost be individual.
CJTU therefore questions the practice of imposing blanket sanctions on an entire media organisation for breaches attributed to clearly identified individuals. A suspension of a media outlet affects journalists, cameramen, editors, technicians, administrative staff, sales personnel and other workers whose incomes depend on the continued operation of the organisation.
Professional misconduct should not automatically result in collective punishment. Regulation should target those effectively responsible while protecting jobs and livelihoods. CJTU therefore prioritises self-regulation, continuous professional training, correction of errors, and sanctions that are proportionate and individualised.
Institutional discord
The current situation has taken on an institutional dimension, with the various parties now before the courts.
On October 2, 2026, the NCC announced that it had appealed against the court order of 1 October 2026 suspending enforcement of the sanctions imposed on 18 August.
On the same day, the Minister of Communication, René Emmanuel Sadi, wrote to Canal+ requesting the restoration of Vision 4 on its broadcasting platform, while at the same time calling on Anecdote Media Group to comply with the individual sanctions imposed against those concerned. The Ministry of Communication confirmed this position.
For CJTU, direct intervention by political authorities in the implementation of decisions taken by the regulatory body risks weakening the authority of the regulator.
If the NCC is the competent regulatory authority, its decisions must either be respected or challenged through the appropriate legal channels. Where they are challenged, it is for the courts to decide.
Political authorities cannot simultaneously defend the authority of the regulator and intervene in a manner that neutralises its decisions.
The judiciary must remain the arbiter
Vision 4 and the journalists concerned have the right to challenge the sanctions. NCC equally has the right to appeal decisions affecting its regulatory measures.
Since the courts have been seized of the matter, all institutions concerned should exercise restraint and allow the judicial process to run its course.
CJTU insists on full respect for the rights of defence and the principles of a fair hearing. An administrative sanction must not become a form of summary justice.
Beyond the dispute involving Vision 4 are the livelihoods of hundreds of media professionals and their families. Journalists have rents to pay, technicians have children to support, and administrative and other workers depend on their daily income.
Media owners also have a responsibility to provide decent working conditions and to respect professional and ethical obligations. Editorial freedom cannot be used to shield poor management.
The State, for its part, has a responsibility to create conditions that allow media professionals to work independently and with dignity. Economic vulnerability increases pressure on journalists and can create conditions that encourage professional compromise and misconduct.
CJTU therefore reiterates the urgent need for the effective implementation of the Collective Agreement for Journalists and Media Professionals, as a key instrument for improving working conditions and strengthening professional responsibility.
CJTU thus calls on:
ü The NCC to exercise its regulatory powers in accordance with the principles of proportionality, fairness and individual responsibility;
ü Media owners to provide decent working conditions and uphold their ethical obligations;
ü Journalists to maintain professional rigour, verify information and respect ethical standards;
ü The Government to respect the functional autonomy of regulatory mechanisms and refrain from turning the media into instruments of institutional or political confrontation.
Journalism, Not score settling
CJTU defends journalism, not score-settling. It condemns professional misconduct but rejects any attempt to turn media regulation into a political battleground or to place the jobs of media workers at risk.
CJTU stands by two fundamental principles: Responsibility and Freedom.
Responsibility without freedom leads to censorship. Freedom without responsibility leads to misconduct. Between these two extremes stands professional journalism, the rule of law and respect for media workers.
Hilaire Hamekoue
Secretary-General
For the National Executive Bureau (NEB)
Cameroon Journalists’ Trade Union (CJTU)
 on NCC sanctions){kind=link}
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