30 audiovisual companies in West Region threatened with closure

Some 30 audiovisual companies in the West Region of Cameroon have been notified of a closure if they do not comply with the communication law.

The daily Cameroon Tribune informed of the campaign which will begin on July 1, 2015 and will affect nine radio stations, three television stations and 18 cable operators who have not been issued any authorization to operate by the communication ministry.

A long sanitation campaign will take place, said the regional representative of the West Communication, Simon Ekolle Penda. "When I took office in October 2014, I found a note from the Minister that says audiovisual communication companies have to comply with the law within seven days or face a shutdown. I did not apply the instructions of the Minister of Communication," he explains.

The delegate added that he held two meetings to sensitize the audiovisual sector about the need to come in line later than 1 July, 2015. This is to comply with the provisions of Decree No. 2000/158 of 3 April, 2000, establishing procedures for the establishment and operation of audiovisual communication companies in Cameroon.

But, the audiovisual operators are crying desperately. "In all regions of the country, several radio companies operate without authorization. The Communication Minister has cautioned that we comply with the law or be closed down," complained one of them.