par Ngangum, Peter Tiako 
Référence African journalism studies, 40, 3, page (10-25)
Publication Publié, 2019-07
Référence African journalism studies, 40, 3, page (10-25)
Publication Publié, 2019-07
Article révisé par les pairs
| Résumé : | During the 1990s, the media landscape was liberalized in Cameroon following the passage of Law No. 90/052 regulating the press. The number of newspapers has increased significantly since then, and there is an existing trend of private initiatives in both the print and broadcast media existing side by side the “state” media. However, the liberalization of the media space came with a paradoxical face, with liberal traits mixing with authoritarian characteristics. Press freedom is guaranteed by the constitution and regularly exhibited by the authorities to demonstrate their democratic commitment. However, informal strategies are developed to limit the potential “watch dog” role of the media, and especially to reduce their capacity to criticize any shortcomings in the management of public affairs and to make other perspectives than the official views available to the citizens. Although the constitution and the 1990 law, including subsequent modifications of these, guarantee media freedom, there is limited optimism for press freedom, and the role of the media in democratization for what the press supposedly gains by the new law is taken away in the same law by more severe provisions and a host of informal regulatory practices that have enhanced the arbitrary powers of the administrator. |
