Alam Sardar Umar (left), UNESCO representative in Cambodia, presents a press vest to Information minister Neth Pheaktra in May 2024. Information ministry
The Ministry of Information has pledged to continue to ensure a safe working environment for journalists in Cambodia, supporting professional development, securing media safety and upholding press freedom.
The pledge was shared by ministry spokesperson Tep Asnarith.
In a statement on the state of the media in Cambodia in 2024, Asnarith claimed that the ministry’s efforts to promote the media industry are based on equality and are free from discrimination, threats or political bias.
“We urge all journalists to work with honesty, integrity and impartiality, maintaining dignity and discipline, while upholding public interest, adhering to ethical standards and respecting journalistic principles to enhance the value and quality of journalism and the sustainability of the media sector in Cambodia,” he said.
He also reminded journalists to comply with all laws and regulations and to be mindful of their rights, roles and responsibilities while conducting their work.
According to Asnarith, Cambodia currently has 1,620 media entities, 26 journalism associations, and over 8,000 journalists across traditional and digital media platforms. These professionals, he said, are performing their duties safely and effectively, guided by ethical and professional standards.
Print and online journalists classified as small taxpayers benefited from a five-year tax exemption from 2023 to 2028. Moreover, fees for obtaining licenses to establish new media outlets have been reduced by 50 per cent, he added.
In 2024, the Ministry of Information resolved 43 complaints related to journalistic conduct.
However, licenses for five online media outlets were revoked, with the ministry explaining that the cancellations were due to “serious ethical violations”.
Nop Vy, executive director of the Cambodian Journalists Alliance (CamboJA), expressed a desire for improved press freedom through reforms to related laws, such as the Penal Code, the Telecommunications Law and the Press Law.
He urged the swift adoption of access to information legislation and called for the ministry to consider the concerns that have been raised about a recently introduced journalism code of ethics. To strengthen journalistic professionalism, he advocated for law enforcement officials to support the industry rather than solely relying on the efforts of journalists themselves.
Vy also encouraged the application of the Press Law when journalists violate ethical standards while performing their duties. He stressed the need for legal action against anyone who harasses journalists investigating criminal activities.
“Journalists must stand firmly on professional principles and strive to improve their professionalism, maintain their credibility and protect themselves when faced with lawsuits,” he added.
