TITLE:
The Political Economy of Print Media and Its Impact on Journalism Practice in Cameroon
AUTHORS:
Isidore Agem Abah, Kingsley L. Ngange, Nengieh Lizzie Wantchami, Stephen N. Ndode
KEYWORDS:
Political Economy, Print Media, Journalism Practice, Cameroon
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Journalism and Communication,
Vol.13 No.4,
November
25,
2025
ABSTRACT: Print media are the foundation and backbone of all forms of media worldwide. However, this pivotal sector, which underpins journalism practice in Cameroon, currently faces profound existential challenges. In an era marked by rapid proliferation of social media, declining advertising revenues, rising production costs, dwindling sales, a weak reading culture, and swift dissemination of information, the print media industry in Cameroon finds itself at a critical juncture. If the print media slips into a precipice in Cameroon, it would not only be detrimental to journalism practice, but also to the polity, since print media are beacons of professional journalism, expose corruption through the watchdog role, promote democracy, accountability, public discourse, and serve as reliable sources of historical development. This study, thus, explores how ownership patterns, regulation and funding shape journalistic practice in Cameroon’s print sector. Using eight in-depth interviews with publishers from major urban centres, the authors apply political economy theory and thematic analysis to extract five recurring impacts: bias, weakened outlets, praise-singing, unequal access to information and ethical compromise. Results indicate that lax entry rules and state leverage over advertising encourage “Alleluia Journalism” while eroding credibility. The authors call for stricter licensing, an information access law and decriminalisation of press offences.