In the heart of Douala, the radio station Jambo FM has made a bold move by entrusting its most critical time slots to a team of young media professionals. These reporters are currently navigating a landscape of pressure and intimidation as they strive to maintain their editorial freedom.
Located at the well-known Entrée de la gare in the vibrant Deido neighborhood, the studios of Jambo FM are alive with a unique spirit. The station’s General Manager, Antoine Landry Lemogo—widely recognized as President Tchop Tchop—has decided to shift the paradigm by giving the youth a platform to lead.
“To progress in this era, we have no alternative but to lean on the youth, who bring both energy and a necessary sense of fearlessness. Our nation is often managed by those of an advanced age whose primary focus is their own survival. We cannot criticize this trend without providing space for young people in our own organizations to shape the future,” he explains.
The challenges of the job are met with professional rigor. “Being a woman and managing these intense, high-stakes debates is not an issue at all. It comes down to preparation, depth of knowledge, and general culture. With that expertise, you know exactly how to guide the conversation and what boundaries to set for both guests and listeners,” notes a voice from the station.
Civic engagement and the risks of live broadcasting
On the popular “Big Morning” show, interaction is the core of the program. However, managing live airtime is a delicate balance between educating the public and avoiding potential legal or social friction.
Jordan Sorel Timba, another young journalist at the station, maintains a focus on constructive analysis. “Our objective is not to attack the government, but to highlight the challenges facing our society. We also make it a point to support the authorities when they achieve positive results, such as the recent life-saving efforts at Laquintinie Hospital. If a listener loses control or fails to maintain decorum, we simply cut their line,” he states.
The climate of fear following the assassination of Martinez Zogo has forced many into a state of heightened vigilance. For presenter Tamo Tabe, who leads the interactive show “Laissez parler les gens” every morning, Jambo FM has become a vital outlet for a population feeling the squeeze.
“Because citizens in Cameroun often fear that taking to the streets will lead to them being labeled as terrorists, they turn to the radio instead. It has become a sanctuary—a place where people can release the frustrations and rebellion that they carry inside,” Tabe remarks.
By attempting to speak the truth without bias or fear, Jambo FM continues to carve out a space for democratic expression in Cameroun, more than three decades after the La Baule summit linked international cooperation to the continent’s democratic progress.
