11/18/2025 INTRODUCTION
The last decade has witnessed a meteoric rise in the number of TV channels in Cameroon, particularly in the English-speaking Regions. From 2 in 2000 to over 10 in 2015, and now over 20, it is evident that media consumption in Cameroon has gone through significant transformation.
In this article, we will be looking at the first part of the evolution of television broadcasting in Cameroon with emphasis on:
- Foundation - Expansion - Decline
FOUNDATION
Television Broadcasting in Cameroon began in 1985 with the launch of the national broadcaster – Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV). The state-owned broadcaster was set up with the primary goal of informing, educating and entertaining Cameroonians.
Despite its monopolistic nature, CRTV had a clear mandate to inform the population about government policies, mobilize citizens for national development, promote national unity, and uphold Cameroon’s cultural heritage. Among other things, CRTV produced and aired news and current affairs programmes, documentaries, dramas, comedies, musicals, and sports.
At the time, CRTV had a comprehensive coverage of the country with more than 50% of the population having access to its broadcasts via television and radio. This penetration was enough to give CRTV a monopoly over the airwaves.
EXPANSION
The expansion in the number of TV stations in Cameroon began in 2000 when the government granted licenses to private investors to operate television channels. This move brought an end to CRTV’s monopoly on television broadcasts in the country.
Some of the pioneer private TV channels were:
- LTM TV – launched in 2000 and owned by Michel Miwa Nana – a former CRTV journalist. - STV – launched in 2000 and owned by Jean-Pierre Amougou Belinga – a businessman and owner of the Anecdote Newspaper. - Canal 2 International – launched in 2005 and owned by Emmanuel Chatué – a former CRTV journalist. - Equinoxe TV – launched in 2006 and owned by Séverin Tchounkeu – a businessman.
These private TV channels began by broadcasting in Douala and eventually expanded to other cities. By 2005, the number of TV channels in Cameroon had increased to five (CRTV, STV, LTM, Canal 2 International, and Equinoxe TV).
With more money invested in these channels, they could afford high-quality equipment, hire professional journalists, and produce