Cambodian journalism associations are calling for an independent press council—similar to those in other ASEAN countries—to strengthen ethical standards and improve safety for journalists.
During an October 31 conference titled Trust in Cambodian News, UNESCO organized a panel with Cambodian journalists and media houses to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists and discuss challenges facing the country’s press corps.
Speaking to the panel, Chhan Sokunthea, executive director of the Cambodian Center for Independent Media (CCIM), emphasized the need for an independent press council to create a self-regulating media industry and curb state court overreach.
“For example, if a journalist faces issues related to ethics, we wouldn’t need to take the matter to court; it could be resolved through the press council instead,” she said.
Sokunthea emphasized that the council must be independent and staffed with experienced professionals knowledgeable about ethical journalism. “This would help alleviate the burden on the courts. In Cambodia, both criminal and civil cases often go through the judicial system, so having a press council would function similarly to an arbitration council,” she explained.
The call for an independent, peer-run press council comes after Cambodia jailed an award-winning journalist for over three weeks amid international outcry, and after the rollout of a disputed journalism charter lacking sufficient consultation or oversight from the country’s media institutions.
“We see that independent journalists who dare to report on sensitive issues like land disputes, politics, or the environment, have met challenges – they’ve had their licenses revoked or been hit with lawsuits, and it’s difficult to find institutions to help them,” Sokunthea said, concluding that a freestanding press council would help protect these journalists.
UNESCO country representative Sardar Umar Alam said the role of an independent council is to provide legal safeguards, promote journalist safety, and champion freedom of expression, ensuring a thriving independent media that maintains editorial independence and financial sustainability.
Also attending Thursday’s conference in Phnom Penh, was the chairman of Timor Leste’s independent press council, Otelio Ote, who spoke about the constitutional guarantees for public access to news and information in Timor Leste and other ASEAN nations.
In Timor Leste, the independent press council has the power to issue ID cards for reporters and guarantee editorial independence for all media outlets, according to Ote, who emphasized his desire to see a similar council established in Cambodia.
Many journalists in attendance at the event echoed these sentiments, citing the difficulties of navigating a tightening press landscape.
A reporter from Voice of America Khmer (VOA) noted disappointment that the Ministry of Information has become the arbiter of journalism ethics and codes instead of a board of independent journalists.
“When we have a press council, its role will be to solely represent the journalists, and it can create a code of conduct which is used to help journalists, not to burden or punish them,” they said.
Lao Sokhai, a journalist from Pailin province who attended the event, told CamboJA News that he supports the establishment of a council and is optimistic about its ability to rejuvenate Cambodian journalism.
“The Press Council would allow us to work in the field without fear. Even if we report on sensitive issues, the council would provide legal support and guidance,” he said. “I truly hope the press council becomes a reality, and I would be eager to participate.”
Information Ministry spokesperson Tep Asnarith asserted that each ASEAN country has different media practices and claimed that Cambodia’s mechanisms have always protected journalists.
“To protect themselves, journalists have to maintain their duty in line with the rights and obligations of journalists as described in […] the journalism charter [Chapter 3, article 26] and adhering to the core professional code of ethics,” he said.
“Journalists are not the authority or the court,” Asnarith added.
Pa Chanroeun, the president of the Cambodian Institute for Democracy, noted that Cambodia has a wide range of media outlets, including registered publications, online news platforms, and diverse social media. However, despite the growth in sources, trustworthy, high-quality journalism remains limited.
“Online journalists often release news faster than those at traditional media outlets, but this speed can lead to unclear or incomplete information, confusing the audience,” he said.
Chanroeun highlighted that the detention and arrest of journalists significantly challenge press freedom, with some facing imprisonment. He added that accusations against citizens and journalists are common, particularly regarding sensitive issues, with such reports often labeled as inciting social disorder.
“In a democratic society, freedom of speech and freedom of the press are essential—they provide the oxygen for democracy,” he said.
