From 112th in 2023 to 89th in 2024, Benin has gained points in the annual press freedom rankings of Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The report, made public on May 3, reassures many future journalists, but not without fear.
This Friday, May 3, 2024, at the ORTB Television Information Service, future journalists on internship exchange with their elders a little before the editorial conference. Among them, Jean-Marie who has just obtained his professional degree in Journalism from the National School of Information and Communication Sciences and Techniques (ENSTIC). Jean-Marie is impatient to pursue the job of his dreams. For the latter, “journalism was first a passion before becoming a commitment”.
Within the same media, Esther and Marlène have been honing their skills for months. Curiosity and passion guided the two graduates, after the Baccalaureate, to train to inform. They have the ambition to fully enjoy their rights in the exercise of their profession.
“I’m a little scared”
In its annual reportthe RSF indicates that “The freedom of expression of journalists has declined sharply in recent years in Benin. The country’s media landscape is diverse, but marked by the absence of large, viable media companies. Out of 180 countries in the world, RSF reports that Benin ranked 112th in 2023 and 89th in 2024.
Between professional and academic reality, aspiring journalists note a big gap. “I’m a little scared. What I hear scares me”, confides Gilles, holder of a degree in Language Sciences, Journalism and Communication option. The intern in a private press organization says he notices numerous restrictions tending to blunt his enthusiasm. Gilles uses, among other things, the recent rankings of Benin by Reporters Without Borders. “My dream is shattered”he said.
Like Gilles, Belvida passionate about “the journalistic investigation” expresses his concerns about practicing the profession in this specialty after his training. “I am both optimistic and concerned about the current climate of press freedom. (…) Press freedom is threatened and journalists face challenges”says Belvida.
For young graduates, there is hope. “I believe that journalism is firmly essential for a democratic society and that the voices of journalists must be protected”, supports future journalist Belvida. According to her, raising the voice of marginalized people or telling the truth to the people through the media consolidates democracy.
Read also => Press freedom: Benin 112th in RSF’s 2023 ranking
