The latest press freedom in Cambodia report was launched by information minister Neth Pheaktra on April 30. Supplied
In the past decade, Cambodia’s media landscape has undergone a major transformation, marked by notable growth in digital platforms.
The rapid rise of digital media has introduced new challenges related to press freedom, the spread of misinformation and media ethics.
As he marked World Press Freedom Day, celebrated on May 3, Prime Minister Hun Manet highlighted this year’s theme “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media”.
He emphasised the profound changes in the media landscape that are being driven by digital technology and AI.
“Journalists and media professionals must adhere to professional ethics, ensuring citizens' right to quality content and information security, while also promoting information literacy, media literacy and digital literacy,” he said.
Manet also commended the dedication of journalists in covering global challenges like political crises, wars and economic instability, noting their crucial role in society.
“In the face of global challenges, including political crises, wars and the spread of infectious diseases, journalists have shown unwavering commitment to reporting truthful, accurate information, contributing to public order, peace and socio-economic development,” he said.
The prime minister offered several recommendations to strengthen the media sector, including combating fake news and promoting professional ethics.
He urged the media to “uphold the code of ethics, especially in the use of AI, to maintain trust in information and prevent misinformation”.
In its latest report on the state of press freedom in Cambodia, released on April 30, the Minister of Information offered both optimism and caution as the Kingdom navigates this rapidly changing environment.
Information minister Neth Pheaktra shows the report – available in Khmer and English – ahead of the annual media lunch with the prime minister, set to be held on May 3. Supplied
A positive trajectory for press freedom?
The report claimed that press freedom in Cambodia is on a positive trajectory, with 81.4 per cent of 467 journalists from all 25 provinces-capital reporting that press freedom is in a “good” or “excellent” state.
Journalists in Cambodia have increasingly enjoyed the freedom to report without obstruction, reflecting a marked improvement from previous years, it noted.
“The media sector contributes to societal improvement by providing accurate information in a transparent manner, playing a pivotal role in shaping the strategic policies and action plans of the government,” the report quoted the prime minister as saying.
“They help us understand our rights and responsibilities, protecting the rights of others, safeguarding public stability and ensuring social security,” he added.
The Charter for Professional Journalism, implemented in 2024, was described as “a cornerstone in ensuring that the country's media practices adhere to high ethical standards”.
With the support of the Cambodian government, journalists are encouraged to “report with responsibility and integrity, upholding both national interests and societal stability”.
Local media representatives attend the official launch of the report on April 30 at the information ministry. Supplied
Digital media disrupting the traditional landscape
The rise of digital media, while expanding access to information, has created tensions in the media environment.
The digital transformation has forced traditional media outlets to adapt to new technologies, with many radio and television stations transitioning to online platforms.
This shift has left some outlets struggling to maintain operational viability, with radio stations in Phnom Penh decreasing from 60 to just 39 in a span of a year.
“The speed and ease with which information can be shared online have raised serious concerns about the credibility and integrity of content,” warned the report.
The unchecked spread of fake news, especially on social media, poses significant risks to public trust and social stability.
“We are witnessing a growing challenge where misinformation is disseminated faster than truth, and this undermines the public’s confidence in credible news sources,” explained information minister Neth Pheaktra.
Combating fake news, upholding journalistic integrity
One of the report’s major concerns is the growing impact of fake news. 97 per cent of journalists surveyed agree that combating fake news is vital to maintaining the credibility of Cambodian media.
As part of the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the media ecosystem, the information ministry has launched various initiatives, such as the “Say No to Fake News” campaign, to encourage responsible media practices.
The ministry is also playing a key role in shaping the country’s media laws.
Recently, it issued 8,062 press cards to journalists, with a significant focus on female journalists, signaling a growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion within the sector.
“We must uphold professional standards, ensuring that journalists report only what is accurate and verified, with clear sources,” noted Pen Bona, head of the Royal Government Spokesperson Unit.
“When journalists adhere to these ethical standards, the trust in our media grows, and so does the freedom to report,” he continued.
The role of artificial intelligence in journalism
Amidst the surge in digital media comes the challenge of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into journalistic practices.
AI presents both opportunities and risks for the media sector, especially in terms of verifying information and combating misinformation.
Its widespread use raises ethical concerns, particularly regarding the accuracy of content produced by AI-generated tools.
“AI offers exciting opportunities to streamline the journalistic process and improve efficiency,” Pheaktra shared.
“However, it’s critical to ensure that content produced with AI meets the highest standards of accuracy and is verified before publication,” he added.
The Reuters Institute’s 2024 survey for the Study of Journalism, which included 95,000 respondents across 47 countries, revealed that most people are skeptical of AI-produced content on sensitive topics. Because of this, the government has emphasised the need for human oversight in journalism, particularly for political news and investigative reporting.
“AI can help journalists save time, but it cannot replace the human judgment required in areas of high-stakes reporting,” Pheaktra cautioned.
Challenges remain, but the path forward is clear
While Cambodia has made significant strides in enhancing press freedom, challenges remain, particularly regarding the disruption caused by digital media and the rise of unverified content.
The ministry continues to monitor the evolving media landscape and is committed to ensuring that Cambodia’s press remains free, responsible, and trustworthy.
As Cambodia moves further into the digital age, it must strike a delicate balance between fostering media innovation and maintaining the integrity of its press.
“We must ensure that the media’s role in shaping public discourse continues to be constructive, fair, and responsible,” said Puy Kea, president of the Cambodian Club of Journalists.
“By upholding ethical standards, journalists in Cambodia can continue to contribute positively to society and uphold the trust of the public,” he added.
Cambodia stands at a critical juncture in its media journey, and while challenges persist, the country’s commitment to press freedom and professional ethics offers a hopeful vision for the future of journalism in the Kingdom.
Survey results contrast international report
The results of the ministry survey on the state of press freedom in Cambodia, conducted with 467 journalists, show a generally positive outlook on media conditions in the country.
This stands in firm contrast with the results of the Reporters Without Borders Global Press Freedom Index 2024, which placed Cambodia at 161 of the 180 countries surveyed.
Tep Asnarith, ministry spokesman, responded to the assessment, stating that it did not reflect the reality on the ground.
“Assessments from overseas groups that evaluate the state of press freedom in Cambodia by collecting information from a small group and reports from organisations and associations which are politically influences cannot reflect the true situation,” he said.
“The limited number of input sources cannot represent the entire journalism sector,” he added.
He also claimed that the ministry’s 2025 press freedom status report, assessed as “good”, was based on scientific measurements and surveys conducted among journalists across Cambodia.
According to the report, a significant 81.4 per cent of journalists rated the state of press freedom as very good, with 72.2 per cent considering it “good” and 9.2 per cent considering it “excellent”.
This favourable assessment extends to the media environment itself, with 71.8 per cent of respondents believing that media order is well-established in Cambodia.
The Journalists surveyed also reported significant freedom in their professional activities, with over 86 per cent confirming they can perform their duties without restrictions, a 6.2 per cent improvement from the previous year.
It highlighted a strong adherence to ethical standards, with 99 per cent of respondents agreeing that journalists have a responsibility to combat fake news.
Additionally, more than 62 per cent of journalists reported never facing threats or harassment in their work.
The ministry suggested that these findings point to a more robust media landscape, though challenges such as unethical behavior and misinformation remain.
These include increasing unethical behavior in the media, with 15 per cent of journalists noting a rise in such practices.
Fake news is a major concern, with nearly 75 per cent of journalists acknowledging its negative impact on society.
The spread of misinformation by untrained citizen journalists and the rise of social media content creators without ethical standards further disrupts the media landscape, they noted.
While most journalists report never having faced threats or harassment, 38 per cent have encountered such challenges.
Additionally, although the majority adhere to professional ethics, 21.8 per cent only partially comply, highlighting the need for ongoing improvements, the ministry noted.
