The Ministry of Information in Cambodia has taken significant steps to protect journalists, supporting nearly 40 reporters in 2024. During the "Confidence in the Cambodian Press: Ethical Journalism for the Public Good" conference held in Phnom Penh on October 31, spokesperson Tep Asnarith detailed the ministry’s efforts to resolve 20 cases through mediation and court support in the first half of the year, and 17 additional cases of professional misconduct by the third quarter. Speaking to an audience of 150 attendees, including members of the Cambodian Journalists Alliance Association (CamboJA), UNESCO, and diplomatic partners, Asnarith emphasized the ministry’s role in fostering a positive environment for ethical journalism and audio-visual media.

The ministry is committed to advocating for press freedom in a fair, impartial, and non-political manner, ensuring that journalists adhering to professional ethics receive the necessary trust and support within the legal framework. Tep Asnarith also addressed the growing impact of digital platforms, acknowledging that while open internet access enhances information sharing, it also facilitates the spread of fake news through social media channels like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. This poses significant challenges to the credibility of journalists and traditional media outlets, raising ethical concerns about the content shared online.

Despite these protective measures, not all journalists benefit equally. For example, freelance journalist Mech Dara faced legal challenges that the ministry asserts are unrelated to his journalistic work, stemming from violations of laws against disseminating false information. The ministry clarified that such actions do not fall under press freedoms and emphasized that violations outside journalistic activities are subject to civil and criminal consequences. This stance reinforces the ministry’s commitment to maintaining ethical and legal standards in journalism, ensuring that press freedoms are upheld responsibly.

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