Minister of Information Neth Pheaktra during a recent meeting with ministry officials. Information Ministry
The Ministry of Information has reiterated calls for news writers and media outlets to uphold and adhere to editorial principles, emphasising their role in fostering the professional values of Cambodian journalism, following the ministry’s revocation of a media group’s business license for “serious breaches of ethics”.
Ministry spokesperson Tep Asnarith announced that it cancelled the licence of Life and Sport News on March 15, due to the owner’s serious code of conduct violations and failure to meet obligations within the operational mechanism of the business.
He said the owner has been notified of the cancellation.
“We urge all members of the press and media outlets to strictly continue adhering to journalistic ethics and to strengthen their capacity for building and maintaining good relations with news sources, including leaders, ministry or institutional spokespersons, authorities and other relevant parties,” he said.
“We must fulfill our duties within the legal framework and not exceed our journalistic responsibilities, to collectively uphold our professional values,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of the press in disseminating factual information with quality content, ensuring well-informed, balanced, professional and responsible reporting, as this contributes to the development and growth of the information sector.
Puy Kea, president of the Club of Cambodian Journalists (CCJ), commented on the licence annulment, noting that some outlets have previously published without adhering to a professional code of values.
“The revocation serves as a warning for our journalists to consider their professional principles. The CCJ has conducted extensive training in this area. This incident should remind [them] to adhere to professionalism,” he said.
Kea added that CCJ is always available and ready to assist journalists or news organisations with queries about professional ethics.
Information minister Neth Pheaktra, chairman of the Anti-Fake News Commission, has also warned of legal actions against all forms of disinformation.
He said the measures are aimed at strengthening journalistic values in the Kingdom, contributing to national security, political stability, social harmony and better social order.
