SECTOR 1 The UCJ is widely considered to be a dormant organisation. Some of its early work included an unsuccessful attempt at creating a self-regulation body and a national code of ethics and conduct for journalists. Media sector trade unions tend to combine promoting the working conditions of journalists with advocating for press freedom, and form alliances with other unions outside the media sector. Other media associations focus on developing skills and standards and tend to be narrowly defined by ‘beat’ (economy, sports, environment, legal issues, etc) and gender. Panellists were of the view that strong partnerships between the media and CSOs that can advance the cause of media freedoms have failed to develop. In part, CSOs tend to see themselves as news sources and fail to make the connection between their work and media causes. Other organisations have a negative impression of journalists, mainly stemming from bad press in the past and other undesirable experiences. A handful of exceptions are usually international nonprofit organisations working with local Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) to push for media rights – notably media freedoms and access to information. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: ✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓ 2.4 (2008 = 1.7; 2011 = 3.0; 2014 = 2.7) 1.11 Media legislation evolves from meaningful consultations among state institutions, citizens and interest groups There is no indication that media legislation in Cameroon evolves from meaningful and inclusive consultations. Panellists state that most laws were passed in the 1990s during a period when ‘it was impossible to think about consultations.’ In later years, the government’s attempt at consulting stakeholders as part of the legislative process has mostly amounted to window dressing. ‘Usually, at the time citizens are consulted on any issue, the decision has already been taken,’ said one panellist. Media lawmaking processes are consistent with the practice across the board, which is largely driven by government agenda. 21 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER CAMEROON 2018