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Citizen journalists in Cambodia are filling gaps left by shrinking independent press, but many face intimidation, legal uncertainty and lack of resources, a media advocacy group said in a report released Wednesday.
Residents reporting on land disputes, environmental problems, human rights concerns and poor public services have sometimes pushed authorities to act on local problems that usually get little media coverage, the Cambodian Center for Independent Media (CCIM) said.
The group’s executive director, Chhan Sokunthea, said safety is the most serious problem.
“We found that safety is a major concern, especially for female citizen journalists who report in remote rural areas,” she said.
Citizen journalists also struggle to get information or cooperation from local officials because most lack a press card or the backing of a licensed outlet, she said.
Concerns have heightened over tighter rules for journalists since the Ministry of Information imposed last year requirements for “good conduct” reports, a clean complaint record and ministry-approved journalism certificates to obtain a press card or legally operate in news media.
Of the 93 citizen journalists CCIM surveyed, 94% said they avoid at least one topic out of concern for their safety. Border issues, corruption and politics topped the list.
Several journalists have been arrested or detained this year after covering the border conflict with Thailand or suspected online scam compounds. Rights groups have criticized the arrests.
Information Ministry spokesperson Tep Asnarith and Interior Ministry spokesperson Touch Sokhak did not respond to requests for comment.
Chhen Leakena, a member of the Brao Indigenous group in Stung Treng province, has reported on issues such as damaged roads and access to health care since 2023.
“The biggest problem I have faced is something I cannot forget,” she said. “When I went to gather information, I was physically assaulted.”
Leakena declined to say who attacked her, saying it was traumatic to talk about.
She said officials have pressured her to take down at least three videos, including reports about a health center and a school director accused of mistreating residents.
“If there are shortcomings in our reporting, they should tell us and provide their comments so that we can improve it,” she said of local officials. “They should not use their power to pressure citizens or journalists.”
“Please do not consider us enemies,” she added.
Sokunthea also raised concerns about authorities using private conversations from messaging groups as evidence against citizen journalists, saying the practice threatens both privacy and free expression. Those reporting on land, natural resources and the border are most at risk, she said.
The report makes recommendations to the Information, Interior and Justice ministries, as well as local authorities and police. Sokunthea said the government should recognize the role citizen journalists play.
“Citizen journalists help fill a gap left by professional journalists, who often focus on major news in the cities,” she said. “They report on problems at the local level that otherwise may not receive much attention or be heard.”
