Overview of the Program

At a time when news consumers are questioning traditional journalistic notions of balance and objectivity, it seems, in some respects, the expression of a need for balance between the different praxes that characterize the journalistic domain: between the ‘disseminators’, who favor detachment and objectivity, and the ‘interpretivists’, who favor involvement and advocacy (highlighting a struggle in balancing objectivity and advocacy); between the ‘adversarials’, who show a more combative outlook toward government and business, and the ‘populist mobilizers’, who reflect a movement toward civic journalism that emphasizes giving ordinary citizens a voice. When this need for balance is unfolding within a context of social conflict and sensitivities around elections and partisan politics, the journalist may feel a continuous need to recalibrate – how they go about effectively telling their stories, while using journalism as a force for good.

In addition to the methodological concerns mentioned above, the press (and how it is perceived), is shaped by the context and structures within which it operates. Factors such as support for pluralism of opinion, media independence, censorship, the legislative framework, transparency, and the quality of the infrastructure that supports the production of news and information, are critical determinants of the quality and perception of the press in every country. Hence it is critical to understand and acclimatize to this context.

Besides the manner in which a journalist may choose to apply themselves in the given context and structures, it is also important to continuously reflect on theory and practice to improve knowledge and experience, explore new areas of technology and skill-sets and hone new abilities that are needed in the ever-changing environment. Familiarity with the changing legal environment, for example, may save journalists or their agencies costs and credibility, in a climate where expectations of journalistic performance are higher than ever before.

The training anchors on the need to improve the media environment and reinforce the basic values of journalistic fairness, social justice, truth-telling, respect for privacy and the congruence of sources, to eliminate falsehood, innuendo, recklessness and hyperbole, within a delicate social context.

The main goal of the training is to strengthen freedom of expression in Cameroon and enhance the role of the press as a force for social good in society.

Themes

Among other things the workshop examines the following themes:

• The Legal Framework on Elections and Freedom of Expression in Cameroon
• Constructive Journalism – the Role of the Peace Journalist in building Stable Societies
• Stakes and challenges of election reporting
• New Voices and Energy – Online Spaces as a tool for Constructive Journalism
• Merging Theory with Practice, cardinal Principles for a journalist (Ensuring journalistic fairness, social justice, truth-telling, respect for privacy and the congruence of sources)
• Freedom of Expression as a key to democratic advancement in Africa
• Corruption in the Media space
• Media and ELECAM