The growth of the information sector necessitates active engagement from all stakeholders, emphasising the importance of quality, honesty, professionalism and responsibility, according to the Ministry of Information.
Ministry spokesperson Tep Asnarith highlighted the need for close monitoring of journalists’ activities and status across press units, associations and other institutions.
He stressed that this scrutiny is vital for contributing to the advancement of journalism and upholding professional values.
“Therefore, this task necessitates the collaboration of all stakeholders, including journalists, associations and the relevant authorities, to review the facts and the law. This involves cooperating to provide information and participating in the investigation process and procedures within the framework of law enforcement,” he said.
He added that protecting journalists and registered media units facing challenges while adhering to professional ethics and legal frameworks is a priority, as this shielding forms part of the government’s commitment to ensuring media independence and unhindered expression and opinion.
Asnarith emphasised that both the ministry and government, particularly in their seventh mandate, have focused heavily on press freedom and the rights of journalists, especially when they encounter issues in their work.
He said the ministry takes responsibility for investigating facts and the law, and coordinates legal advice for dispute resolution.
He noted that the ministry had resolved 43 media disputes and provided legal advice 50 times. It is working closely with the government’s law team to offer legal protection to journalists who adhere to professional ethics, thereby promoting autonomy of the press.
Asnarith said the ministry is enhancing the quality of media by improving journalists’ adherence to professional morals, training them and facilitating effective and professional reporting.
In the context of promoting good governance, he added that the ministry is preparing legal documents for the information sector that align with societal development and regional and global trends.
According to Asnarith, the ministry has also implemented a patent tax exemption for small online media outlets for five years (2023-28) and halved the service fee for new press unit licence applications.
“These are the top priorities, among other things, that the ministry has been focusing on to make the media a core sector for the development of an inclusive society and sustainability,” he said.
He urged journalists and media outlets to enhance their professional capacity, adhere to journalistic principles and maintain good relations with news sources.
He said they should also operate within legal boundaries and avoid overstepping their roles to foster the professional value of journalism and further develop the sector.
Asnarith added that journalists and media units must actively disseminate accurate information to maintain public trust and society’s overall confidence, thereby contributing to the sector as the “fourth estate”, and supporting the peace and sustainable development of Cambodia.
