Pochi Tamba

Name: Pochi Tamba Nsoh, but please call me Poch

Location: Yaounde, Cameroon.

What do you do?

I work as a journalist with the Cameroon Radio and Television, where I produce for and present programs, including TV and Radio newscasts. Besides working as a journalist, I have over the years developed real interest in contributing in whatever little way I can to a better community around. So I started a project that today organizes regular activities in communities to foster exchanges on the rights of marginalized women and children. Through the project which started in 2007, we have also funded the studies of some very brilliant but orphaned children.

Why did this type of work interest you, and how did you get started?

I love talking to people, discovering places and understanding generally how things work, or do not work around me. I think I have journalism in my blood, and even on my most challenging days, I always come to the conclusion that I am where I belong. When I was in secondary school, I started getting very fascinated by the voices from the radio set. So one day, the set gave a phone number for any listener who wanted to interact. I called and from then, I never stopped calling in for one thing to the other. I think I took part in all programs that needed listener reaction at the time. From food programs to love chats. I just needed to be part of the magic. Later on when I had the chance, and despite my mother’s advice, I went on to study journalism and Mass Communication. It is a passion. 

What part of this job do you personally find most satisfying? Most challenging?

I find the chance to talk to people and carry their stories so unique. It always makes me so worthy each time I have a chance to speak for someone who is not able to. Challenges? I could think of a couple but, I prefer to retain only positive things.

What do you like and not like about working in this industry?

I like the different things that you get to do each time you start a day. It is never the same. I also hate the fact that it does not have working hours. It can just eat you up

What are your long-term goals?

I hope to be a better reporter by the day and to really have a chance to tell the most amazing stories.

What special advice do you have for a student seeking to qualify for this position?

Journalism is a very tough world. When you start, you need to work very hard to make a good reputation that matters. When you have a name that means something, you have to start working really hard to dodge all the internal intrigues that come with being at the top.

You need to really know what you want so that you do not chicken out at any difficulty. Simply put, just know what you really want, and put your faith ahead of you. It works for me.

Do you have any special words of warning or encouragement as a result of your experience?

Maybe I should say that it is very easy to get taken over by the ‘bling bling’ of stardom in this job. And very often, I see very gifted colleagues who have settled for the shallow star world, instead of filling their lives with endless undiscovered stories that will give it worth. 

If you get famous as you work, accept it as part of the things you will get, but do not let it distract you from what you set out to achieve. Also, we work often in very unsure conditions, with many of our colleagues not being sure if they will not lose their job the next day. It makes many of them succumb easily to the temptations of money. All I can say about this is that hard as it seems at times, we can always make the right decision- the one that does not stop us from sleeping at night

These are my strongest assets/skills, areas of knowledge, personality traits and values are….

I am told that I a frank person who often does not know the word diplomacy. I know I am hardworking and a go-getter. I am very patient and a loyal friend. I guess that is as much as I can say now.