SECTOR 4 4.7 Media professionals have access to training facilities offering formal qualification programmes as well as opportunities to upgrade skills. The Advanced School of Mass Communication at the University of Yaounde II is the oldest and leading training centre for journalists. The University of Buea also runs a reputable Department of Journalism and Mass Communication. Both universities offer undergraduate and specialised graduate courses in wide ranging media fields. Numerous other institutes offer programmes with students graduating with either the Ordinary National Diploma (OND) or Higher National Diploma (HND). Formal training institutions generally receive students who are yet to practice as journalists, but some have seen an increase in the enrolment of practicing journalists returning to school. Distance learning programmes have also broadened the opportunities available to journalists and other media professionals. National and international organisations and some diplomatic missions regularly organise capacity building workshops for media professionals focusing on sectors such as health, human rights, democracy, environment, climate change and decentralisation. Radio France International trained reporters and managers of Femme FM Community Radio in Mbalamayo in 2012. “Smart” journalists often seek training opportunities for themselves outside the country. Though training opportunities seem abundant, most newsrooms do not have policies or dedicated budgets for staff training. “News organisations do not understand that improving the skills and ability of their employees improves the quality of the services they offer and in turn, raises the standards of their organisations,” one panellist pointed out. As a result, journalists often make it a personal responsibility to seek further training. Some do so quietly because they are unlikely to get a study leave and may lose their jobs. 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: 130 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER CAMEROON 2014 2.7 (2008=3.6; 2011=4.5)