Communication for All - Fact or Fiction? The current state of journalism in Cambodia

It’s common place to know how certain situations require quick fixes here in Cambodia. And when you’re a local organization you realize these facts early on. You are dependent on the media to help disseminate information, advertise events and general information about your organization. But as many of my colleagues already know, you have to pay ‘”bribes’” for coverage. 

I am at a loss for words at times and recently while preparing for a press conference on ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD), it became increasingly apparent when the strings that intertwine media coverage and money diverge. It has always been a challenge to gain media coverage and this press event had proven to be no different. We wanted to bring the ordinary citizen's perspective into the showcase by inviting victims of the Beung Kak evictions, and other victims including those representing  migrant worker victims effected by lack of laws, regulations and government oversight to share their experiences in efforts to  appeal to the media and the AICHR representative to help putting a face to the Human Rights issues. Wherein stressing the importance of a transparent drafting process of the AHRD. It is then that something must be said about if only to voice my subjective opinion with all you lovely folks. 

The question that I want focus on is, ‘” what is a news reporting without news to cover?’” It a symbiotic relationship I believe you need one to have to other. Can’t have a news broadcast without news to be shared.

As it stands, Cambodia currently seems to have a overly vibrant abundance of media outlets including private media and state-owned media their numbers soaring at over  200 newspapers and magazines, countless number of  radio stations and  television stations. However the majority of state-owned media, especially the television and radio channels, are associated the ruling political party which run interference that affects the independence of media reporting and coverage.  There are also economic interferences that plague the state of journalism in Cambodia and inhibit the objective reporting of news worthy information.

Ethics and standards compromise principles of ethics and good practice in most professions there is no reason why journalists wouldn’t face the same challenges as would per say a physical or a politician. In fact journalist have a greater social responsibility to up hold the basic right to information as do politicians. They may not hold public office, but they do directly or indirectly attribute to the opinions of the public through news reporting and other forms of mass media.

Historically, journalist have been governed through ‘”code of ethics’” that are drafted and approved by both professional journalism associations and individual print, broadcast, and online news organizations.

The most common elements existing codes are inclusive of the basic principles of truthfulness, accuracy, objectivity, impartiality, fairness and public accountability. These principles apply to the acquisition of newsworthy information and its subsequent dissemination to the public.

For the most part local journalists  salaries are generally low and it’s not uncommon to accept bribes or flex muscles for unethical financial favors. The corrupt practices among journalists have resulted in the profession commanding very little respect. These issues of corruption coupled with the overall lack professional skills and journalistic etiquette like being neutral, balance and objectivity of news.

Who is to blame in such a situation? It is easy to place blame on the individuals who part take in said unethical acts of exchanging news coverage for monetary compensation, but why stop there? I am more inclined to place blame on those who are responsible for creating the environment  that is conducive to such activity, the system that encourages unethical behavior. So, the responsibility does not solely fall on the reporter, but rather extends to the system and the people that set the standard. The powers that be set the trend whereby the rest in society generally follow suit. You can not dip into the cookie a jar and not expect the ants not to try their  hand at getting a taste of the crumbs, can you?

There is a lack of interest in journalism among the youth. The communication courses at local universities do not attract many students and members in the faculty. Students of communication are often not keen to join the profession. But you have to wonder why.

Related links

Common Code of Ethics for Cambodian Journalist or Cambodian journalists