Interactive programmes to promote peace

Journalists from five popular Cameroonian audiovisual media outlets learned how to build their interactive programme and were able to practice recording pilots from start to finish. The session was led by Sophie Ekoue, a Togolese trainer and journalist, and Dubois Onana, former editor-in-chief and professor of journalism in Yaoundé.

What sets this training apart is that it was aimed at five media outlets that have very different profiles and are based in five separate regions:
- Ndefcam radio, an English-language news radio station based in Bamenda in the north-west
- CBS FM, an English-language radio station based in Buea in the south-west
- Salam FM, a local radio station based in Cameroon's Far North region
- Galaxie TV, a private television channel based in the north
- CRTV News, a leading public 24-hour news channel, based in Yaoundé in the Centre region

Participants were given the opportunity to take a look at the inner workings of the making of an interactive programme, the legal and ethical rules associated with programmes of this nature, how to seek out relevant topics and angles with the target audience in mind, how to use social media to promote and broadcast their interactive programme and even how to create "teasers" and visuals for self-promotion.

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Two journalists share their experiences

Having completed the recordings and after performing critical listening of interactive programmes [recorded during the training session], I feel like I have taken my career to the next level. At first, I had no idea what an interactive programme was, but I am now able to successfully produce one from start to finish (as part of a team, of course!). I can apply and adapt this production methodology to other types of production. This is a qualitative leap in the way in which I do my job, which brings me more in line with international standards. This is invaluable in the environment that we work in, where everything is done primarily by instinct and with passion, which does not always guarantee professional results.
Loris Adiang, journalist at Galaxie TV

From the very first day to the very last one, it was truly mind-blowing. I now see myself as a true radio technician, capable of successfully helping a journalist to create an interactive programme.
Terrence Ndango, technician at CBS FM in Buea

The training has already borne fruit, with both CRTV News and CBS FM set to broadcast new programmes aimed at promoting peace in the near future, under the respective titles Peace Arena and The Humanitarian.