CRTV appointments: When will anglophones get adequate recognition?

The question is still unanswered in 2022, 37 years after CTV became CRTV. Over the years, appointments within the state broadcaster have been termed favorable to French speaking Cameroonians

 “My goodness, so one must be from the South or Centre regions to have a post of responsibility in Crtv!”  a Facebook user laments.

Tribalism, nepotism and favoritism are some of the words used by the English community to describe the unequal appointments made in the house and its associate organs.

On November 17 2022, after the 54th extraordinary board meeting with the minister of communication, changes were made within the state broadcaster with the long decried plights not considered. English speaking journalists such as Esther Kima, Ashu Nyenti, Winiyawoko Motale  have been made editorialists while others were simply declared  “senior reporters” such as  Bennen Buma GANA, Veronica Bengyella, Albert Njie Mbonde and Charles Ebune after several years spent in service. Strangely, the French speaking journalists do not have to wait half that long to get this “recognition” and some of such people are Aboubakar Abbo (who is not a trained journalist) and Regine Gwladys Lebouda who was recruited in late 2016 and is already made “senior” reporter whereas her editor-in-chief is still not one. Other English speaking reporters were simply rewarded with dormant posts whereas more strategic posts have been occupied by the center-south majority.  

CRTV SPORTS

Simon Lyonga who was Head of the sports channel has been replaced by Raphael Nkoa although most of his colleagues say he does not have what it takes to hold such a post.

“After Simon Lyonga has laboured to give this TV channel an identity, he is ejected at the eve of the world Cup for a true citizen to take over and reap from where he didn’t sow. Sad indeed,”another Facebook user laments

A bitter pill to swallow for some English speaking Cameroonians who see this as an act of ingratitude

“The bee is driven from the hive, no honey expected, Many don’t know that the success which CRTV Sports and Entertainment has recorded this far is all thanks to you. After giving this channel an identity and taste, they thought it wise that it was time for you to be ejected. What a timing! At a time when the world was to discover your rich know how.

This singular act is equivalent to burning down a farmer’s plantation when it is time for harvesting. Simon, you are a big boy. 1000 of them won’t be a match to tour talent,” yet another facebook user says.

Nkoa will be assisted by Baldwin Sama who until then had been occupying a “garage” post at the CRTV audiovisual training center. No woman has been given any post of responsibility at the sports channel although the lone surviving English-speaking reporter at the state broadcaster, Clarisse Sih, has been seen in the field for several years now making her proofs and even received an award as the world’s best young sports reporter in the broadcast category. Rene Katche is another reporter whose voice is heard everyday on the air waves for no reward from management. Are all these Anglophones unworthy of appointments at the sports channel? Over time, it will not be surprising to see her sail off to other horizons just like other English-speaking colleagues. Should the younger generation then think or believe that they must be of a certain tribe to get the recognition they deserve? Baldwin Sama had to wait for over a decade to hear his name mentioned for a “sorry” position at the training centre and many are saying this problem is far from solved.

Other Anglophones appointed are Ayi Mbile, who takes over from the deceased Enanga Kebi, Tehwi Lambiv has moved from mediator to technical adviser number 4 while Federick Eta Bessong has been moved from technical adviser number 3 to director at the radio house.

“Anglophones in CRTV always have sub posts. What is technical adviser number 4?” another Facebook user comments.

Appointments within the Cameroon Radio Television have always been contested by many but years seem not to change mindsets and hard work seems not to get its adequate pay for English speaking journalists despite the various calls made both off and online by English-speaking Cameroonians.