'Ugly Journalism' Launched In Bamenda

Unprofessional practices that bring shame to journalism and journalists is the subject of the book "Ugly Journalism" by Choves Loh that was launched in Bamenda on June 14, 2013. The crowd-puller event celebrated the book which documents opinions from consumers

of Press products on the state of the practice of journalism in Cameroon.

Among the lot around to launch the book were Governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique, SDF National Chairman, Ni John Fru Ndi, Senior Writers, Peter Suh Nfor Tangyie, Hon Tasi Ntang, John B. Ndeh, Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle, Ministers of the Church and journalists, amongst others.

The book according to the author, Choves Loh, is intended to become the first lesson in what journalism is not and should not be, especially for those still craving for the profession. It boldly makes the statement that ugly journalism is dishonourable and debasing. It is all about contributions from eminent members of the civil society, administrators, politicians, University dons and journalists who condemn ugly journalism and prescribe the way forward for a profession that should be at the service of the public and not an instrument for the sins of blackmail, bias, harassment, distortion of facts and misinformation.

The book decries odd notes in journalism, described in most contributions as mercantile journalism, journalism in bad taste, journalism by ambush, journalism - the all comers' profession as well as praise-singing journalism. It also carries presentations that appeal for the moral obligation of journalists in a plural society.

In effect, most often writers of journalism text books write to educate readers on good practices in journalism and what it takes to make a good journalist. Today, the story is different with the book, "Ugly Journalism" by Choves Loh. The 155-page book, prefaced by the National President of the Association of English Speaking Journalists, (CAMASEJ), Tricia Oben, carries contributions from the Emeritus Archbishop, Christian Cardinal Tumi, Prof Nkwi Paul, Abakar Ahamat, Ndumu Nji Vincent, Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle, Laura Anyola Tufoin, Charly Ndi Chia, Nkendem Forbinake, Randy Joe Sa-ah, Fon Chafah XI of Bangolan and Peter Suh Nfor Tangyie, among others. The book is a call to conscience for journalists to return to the tenets of journalism.

Governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique took time off during the launching event to congratulate Choves Loh for the courageous contribution to improve the nation's media landscape.