The Australian government has announced a AU$3.02 million (US$3.075 million) project to support unbiased provincial radio programs ahead of upcoming commune and national elections.

The Cambodia Communica­tion Assistance Project will pro­vide funding for radio stations in Battambang, Kampong Cham and Kampot provinces, according to a statement released by the Australian embassy in Phnom Penh yesterday.

The stations would set a “new standard of neutral and unbiased quality radio programs”, Australian ambassador Penny Richards said.

“We call on all media outlets in Cambodia to broadcast a wide variety of opinions and political debates, giving equal air time to various groups without discrimination or censorship,” Richards said.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the Ministry of Information will manage the stations, which will air programs including talkback radio and live broadcasts.

To contact the reporter on this story: David Boyle at [email protected]