Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Ministry to monitor TV murder coverage

Ministry to monitor TV murder coverage

Children watch an afternoon movie on television in their house in Phnom Penh in 2014.
Children watch an afternoon movie on television in their house in Phnom Penh in 2014. Pha Lina

Ministry to monitor TV murder coverage

The Ministry of Information will establish a media monitor to begin enforcing a decade-old policy about the gratuitous display of graphic deaths, state media reported yesterday.

The announcement came two days after a message – apparently from a government official – called on TV networks not to air images or content relating specifically to murder on the eve of the funeral for slain political analyst Kem Ley.

According to state media wire AKP, Minister of Information Khieu Kannharith encouraged TV, radio and newspapers to disseminate achievements trumpeting the growth of the nation and avoid traffic accidents, murders and other crimes that show insecurity and instability, which could scare off potential tourists and investors. The report said three committees for TV, radio and print would be established to field public complaints.

The head of Cambodian Centre for Independent Media, Pa Ngoun Teang, criticised the minister’s reasoning. “I think it’s not good for freedom of the press . . . the media’s role is not the agenda of the government,” he said. “It’s better to hear both the negative and the positive; both the achievements and the incidents.”

MOST VIEWED

  • Bareknuckle champion wants Kun Khmer fighter

    Dave Leduc, who is the current openweight Lethwei boxing champion in Myanmar, has announced that he will travel to Cambodia this year to challenge SEA Games gold medallist Prum Samnang any time that is convenient, after their planned match later this month in Slovakia was

  • Five-year-old Hanuman dances his way into hearts of Cambodia

    A young talent from a new-established settlement has emerged, captivating the online world with his mesmerising performances of the traditional Cambodian monkey dance. Roeun Kakada is a five-year-old prodigy who has taken the social media sphere by storm with his exceptional dance skills and dedication

  • Fresh Covid warnings as Thai hospital fills

    A senior health official reminds the public to remain vigilant, as neighbouring countries experience an increase in Covid-19 cases, with the latest surge appearing to be a result of the Omicron XBB.1.5 sub-variant. Or Vandine, secretary of state and spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health,

  • Honda shutters Siem Reap football club

    Japanese football legend Keisuke Honda, the owner of Siem Reap football club Soltilo Angkor FC, has been forced to shut the club down, after it failed to attract sponsorship for the upcoming season. Honda, the former manager of the Cambodia men's national football team, said

  • PM declares ASEAN Para Games open

    The 12th ASEAN Para Games officially kicked off on the evening of June 3 at Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh, with a spectacular opening ceremony featuring fireworks and performances by some of the Kingdom’s most accomplished talents. Tens of thousands of sports fans

  • Waterway job still pending for Kampot tourism port’s opening

    The search is still on for a contractor to expand and deepen the Kampot International Tourism Port’s waterway and deliver additional enhancements allowing safe access for larger vessels, nearly a year after the main construction work on the 4.25ha site was completed on June 30, 2022.