SECTOR 4 Follow-up questions Negative developments in the media over the past two to three years: 108 • In spite of the growing number of audiovisual media organisations in Cameroon, this sector made the least progress over the past two years. Only two of more than 30 operating TV stations are licensed. In 2008, authorities shut down Equinoxe TV and Radio Equinoxe in Douala, citing failure to present broadcasting licences. Magic FM in the capital Yaounde was also shut down, accused of attempting to breach public order. • Attacks on journalists and the media have increased. Several journalists have been arrested and detained over the last three years. In April 2010, the editor of Cameroun Express, Bibi Ngota, was arrested while investigating a case of alleged corruption. He eventually died in jail while awaiting trial for alleged falsification of official documents. • The government has appeared more eager to crack down on the media. In March 2011, authorities suspended mobile operator MTN’s Twitter via SMS service, fearing a revolt similar to those that forced the presidents of Tunisia and Egypt out of power. Many public debates and documentary film festivals dealing with issues of freedom and corruption have also been banned. • There has been an upsurge in unprofessional attitudes within the media. Journalists are increasingly accepting money to either “nail” (code word for image tarnishing) politicians or to “clean-up” (i.e. to write image-cleansing reports) public figures. This even includes those well known to be involved in dubious activities. • Solidarity among journalists has grown weaker because journalism organisations are numerous and often poorly organised and coordinated. • There has been minimal improvement in taking state media coverage to all corners of the country. Many parts of the country, especially remote areas, go for many months without a TV or radio signal. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER CAMEROON 2011