SECTOR 2 Internet The number of websites providing news and information on Cameroon has grown faster than radio and television outlets. Generally, the quality of internet services has improved while prices have fallen. Many online publications have been launched over the past few years, and most newspapers and radio and TV stations now run complementary websites. The National Communication Council lists about 40 online publications in its media directory, but the number could be much higher. Broadcast (Radio and Television) Despite the growth of mobile and web-based sources of news and information, the radio remains the most popular news platform for the vast majority of the population, especially those in the rural areas. Television’s visual appeal puts it on the top of the rank, particularly in cities where income levels are much higher and where electricity supply - albeit regular outages - is guaranteed. Community radio stations have gained prominence as the leading sources of news and information in rural communities over the past several years. The country has about 100 community radios. Presently, the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications is working to transform its community tele-centres (small facilities to bring internet and telephone technology to remote places) into community radio stations. At least 16 pilot stations are already operational. Community radio stations are generally closer to rural communities and minority populations, with programming that is relevant to their needs and concerns, and often delivered in local languages. Private commercial broadcast, which emerged during the early years of the last decade, has continued to grow. The number of private commercial radio stations in the country is hard to tell with exactitude. This is partly because most of them do not have licences and operate under a loose dispensation generally referred to as ‘administrative tolerance’. In some respects, the sector has grown in a haphazard manner. However, a few stations - especially in the big cities - stand out and provide quality and timely news and information to a large segment of the population. In spite of the boom experienced by private radio broadcasting, however, the state broadcaster – Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) – still dominates the landscape. CRTV runs both central and regional newsrooms and production centres. It also has greater geographical coverage than private and community stations, and is better funded and staffed. Radio broadcasting has remained the principal source of news and information due to a number of factors. Perhaps the most prominent is the fact that nearly all radio stations in Cameroon are free-to-air broadcasters and consequently, there is no fee to be paid for receiving the service. Radio receivers are also cheap, often costing as little as CFA1,500 (US $3). In addition, most of the cheapest mobile telephone handsets today are fitted with off-network FM receivers. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER CAMEROON 2014 95