Responsible Reporting in Crucial Seasons

A year has 365 days, divided in 2 halves (Jan-June, July-Dec) or 3 quarters (Jan-Mar, Apr-Jun, Jul-Sep, Oct-Dec). Generally, there are fixed events that occur every year, but there are other events that are pre-conceived to be held within a specific period. They vary from national economic forums to beauty pageant competitions and political events. Cameroon is presently in the season of Presidential elections. Cameroonians will take to the polls on October 12 to vote for their leader who will have a mandate of seven years. This election season is in a period marked by unresolved socio-economic tensions within specific regions and a general lifestyle that citizens decry. During this period, journalists who are the watchdogs of society are expected to report happenings responsibly. Usually, some grounded media houses organise workshops to train news reporters on the attitude to adopt and implement during electoral periods like these. With presidential elections just being around the corner, they have to look out for aspects that highlight their credibility and that of the media houses they work for. The use of hate speech, no matter how small, can ignite strife among the people, as well as incomplete reporting. A certain linguistic approach is to be highly considered when reporting, and that is why such workshops are organised. Journalists also need to be presentable and have press cards for easy identification and trust. There will be challenges in the course of the job, but journalists are expected to show proof of impartiality and professionalism in order to provide factual information to the public. Social media is like an ocean that contains everything and nothing, so many people can be led astray on news sources. The credible journalists have to ensure that their works stand out from the swamp and this will provide them with a growing and loyal audience. Journalists need to watch out in order to guide the people on the right sources they need to follow. With the influx of potential candidates for the elections, everyone can speculate based on what they see and hear as information. The Electoral body that oversees the process, ELECAM, is expected to publish the official list of shortlisted candidates for the elections on 26 July, after which campaigns will officially begin on a date still decided by them. While the public remains in suspense, the journalists have the duty to research and present concrete information to the public on the attitude they have to adopt as voters during this period.

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