2007 Archives
Seminar Workshop on Journalism Techniques
Thirty journalists and managers from private media outlets attended a three-day refresher course at the Bernard Fonlon Journalism Academy in Douala. Africa Regional Services (ARS) speaker Eduardo Cue’s presentations focused on the role of the media in a developing democracy, journalism ethics, interview techniques and sources of information. During the practical sessions, the speaker insisted on the need for journalists to be balanced, non-partisan and factual in their reporting. Mr. Cue granted interviews to two influential private television stations plus many newspapers and radios. During these interviews, Mr. Cue elaborated on the role of the media in a democracy and the need to have a strong and professional media in Cameroon.
The training seminar provided an opportunity for the participants to maximize the benefit of having a seasoned journalist as an ARS speaker. Participants realized during the critique of articles that many reports were biased and/or defamatory. Many reporters announced they would ask their respective newsrooms to critique articles and broadcast programs on a daily basis to ensure that their work reflects the highest standards of professionalism.