The National Communication Council (NCC), Cameroon’s media regulator, under the leadership of Acting President Peter Essoka is seeking the professionalization of journalists through accurate, facts based and responsible reporting that serves the public.

In light, Essoka recently led a delegation comprising NCC Secretary General Jean Tobie Hond, Communications Officer Alain Denis Mbezele and Secretary Elias Beteck to the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde.

They were welcomed by Public Affairs Officer Roberto Quiroz II, Information Specialist Thomas Bouba and Isabelle Kame-Domguia.

During their talks, veteran journalist Essoka outlined the NCC’s mission in Cameroon and expressed an interest in expanding a partnership between Cameroonian journalists and the United States.

“The NCC is committed to promoting the noble profession of the media, and the professionalization of journalists through accurate, facts based, responsible reporting that serves the public,” the Embassy website quoted Essoka.

For his part, Quiroz thanked Essoka for his visit and underscored the United States’ commitment to promote freedom of the press. “As Ambassador Michael S. Hoza has said, the United States places a top priority in promoting freedom of the press.

A free and independent media is essential to strengthen all societies, including the United States, and we are proud to partner with Cameroonian journalists in several endeavors,” he stated.

It should be noted that the U.S. Department of State sponsors several programs specifically designed for members of the media, such as the Edward R. Murrow International Visitor Leadership Program and other journalism training opportunities.

Those programs not only enhance reporting skills, but also strengthen our partnership with journalists throughout the world who then expand their own professional networks to exchange ideas and best practices.

The US Embassy Public Affairs Officer Roberto Quiroz II concluded that: “We look forward to strengthening even further our partnership with the Cameroonian media.”