AKP Phnom Penh, May 03, 2025 --

The Cambodian Prime Minister commends the dedication of Cambodian and foreign journalists in creating newsworthy reports ethically and responsibly, recommending both the media practitioners and the Ministry of Information to further leverage the important role of the sector.

Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet highlighted his appreciation and recommendations in his open letter to mark the 32nd World Press Freedom Day, falling on May 3.

Considering the day as a meaningful occasion to look back at the courage and sacrifice of the journalists, he remarked that its theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World—The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media,” focuses on rapid digital and AI technology development that significantly shapes the media and broadcasting industry.

It mandates media practitioners to pay more attention to quality, ethical, and responsible reports to contribute to promoting the right to information but also ensure the safety of the media consumers, added Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet.

According to the Prime Minister, by the first quarter of 2025, Cambodia has registered 1,620 media agencies; 745 of them are traditional media, such as television and radio channels, newspapers, magazines, and printing houses, and 875 are new media agencies.

A report on the State of Press Freedom in Cambodia 2025 released recently by the ministry showed improvement in the sector with better ethical compliance, quality reporting, and information security.

In addressing fake news and misinformation, the Ministry of Information has rolled out a QR code (verify.gov.kh) to verify news sources among media practitioners as well as news agencies, following the earlier launch of the Professional Journalism Charter in August 2024.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet reaffirmed the government’s recognition of the vital role of the media in national development, public knowledge promotion, and contribution to the strengthening of democracy, human rights, and social transparency.

He recommended all media practitioners keep up with their factual, ethical, and responsible reporting, join hands with the government to further address fake news and misinformation, and continuously build their capacity to keep up with the new technology.

The Prime Minister advised the Ministry of Information to keep up with the enforcement of media compliance with laws and legal frameworks; develop more standards and procedures to certify media agencies; advance the sector and fight fake news; support capacity building for journalists; and initiate information diplomacy and cooperation regionally and globally.
 

Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet at the 6th Annual Gathering with journalists in 2024

By Thyda You