The National Communication Council suspended the TV station for a duration of One month much to the disappointment of political activists, Tafeu François Bikoro
Political activist Tafeu François Bikoro, Coordinator of the Collective of Defenders of Press Freedom and Regulatory Fairness, has called on the President of Cameroon’s National Communication Council (CNC) to reconsider the suspension of Vision 4 TV, arguing that the measure raises questions about legality, proportionality and equal treatment of media organisations.
In an open letter dated September 30, 2026, Bikoro expressed concern over the suspension of the private television station, which is part of the L’Anecdote Group, and urged the communications regulator to review the decision.
Bikoro said the appeal was grounded in what he described as three key legal principles: jurisdiction and legality, proportionality of sanctions, and fairness and non-discrimination.
On jurisdiction, Bikoro argued that the authority imposing a sanction should be clearly established under the law.
He maintained that the authorisation to operate audiovisual communication enterprises falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of Communication, while the CNC serves as a regulatory and consultative institution.
According to him, the CNC's role should therefore be exercised within the limits established by the legal framework governing communication and the institution's regulatory mandate.
He further argued that the possibility of challenging CNC decisions before administrative courts demonstrates the importance of ensuring that sanctions are firmly grounded in law.
Bikoro also questioned whether suspending an entire television station was a proportionate response to alleged professional misconduct attributed to an individual staff member.
He pointed out that Vision 4 employs more than 100 people, including journalists as well as technical, administrative and support staff.
According to him, a suspension affecting the entire organisation also impacts employees whose activities may have no connection with the alleged violation.
He referred to Article 42 of the decree governing the CNC's sanctions, which, according to the letter, provides for measures including a warning, suspension of the journalist concerned and the right of reply.
Bikoro consequently called for sanctions to be applied in a manner that takes into account the nature and responsibility for any established breach.
The activist also raised concerns about what he described as unequal treatment among media organisations.
In his letter, he alleged that some media outlets continue to broadcast content that he considers detrimental to national unity, social cohesion and public morals without facing comparable sanctions.
He contrasted this with the treatment of Vision 4, which he said has, since 2018, openly supported the institutions of the Republic and President Paul Biya.
Bikoro argued that differences in regulatory treatment could affect public confidence in the CNC and called for clear and consistently applied standards governing sanctions against media organisations.
The Collective of Defenders of Press Freedom and Regulatory Fairness is calling for three main measures.
First, Bikoro is asking for the lifting of Vision 4's suspension, with any proven wrongdoing addressed through what he describes as an individual and proportionate sanction.
Second, he is calling for the publication of clear sanction criteria to ensure that media organisations understand the standards applicable to them and are treated according to the same rules.
Third, he is proposing greater dialogue between the CNC and media publishers, with the aim of developing what he describes as a more educational and less punitive approach to media regulation.
“Regulation does not mean stifling. Regulation means protecting the freedom of all—including those who support the Republic,” Bikoro said in the letter.
The open letter was signed in Yaoundé on September 30, 2026, and addressed to the President of the National Communication Council.
The appeal comes amid broader discussions about the balance between media freedom, professional ethics and regulatory oversight in Cameroon, with the Vision 4 case placing renewed attention on how sanctions against media organisations are applied.
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