The regime, however, is concerned with controlling this informational process to protect the nation's interests but also to protect its own. It recognizes the threat that can be posed by the free circulation of information and the open expression of public opinion, both to fragile national unity and to its own grip on power. In this case the ideal situation for the state is to be the sole source and controller of information. This concept, which Ahidjo tried to put into effect, is a direct descendant of colonial ideas about how those in power should handle information. When the government created Cameroon Tribune in 1974 it was not the only newspaper, but censorship of all other papers prevented conflicting information from reaching the public.
Radio is certainly the most 'mass' form of mass communication in Cameroon.