The Ministry of Information has advised journalists and media outlets to adhere to the practice of journalistic ethics, warning of potential consequences following the recent revocation of a media licence for “severe violations” of professional journalistic ethics by an online outlet.

The Ministry of Information on Friday revoked the business licence of the online media outlet after it failed to comply with the ministry’s instruction. According to a proclamation signed by Minister of Information Neth Pheaktra, the Ministry decided to revoke the business licence dated August 13, 2020, which was granted to Choeung Thuon, to operate his online media outlet – www.lifeandsports.news and www.lifeandsports.online.

It added the business owner had “seriously violated journalistic professional ethics, did not follow procedures, did not accept instructions and continued to violate legal norms in force.”

Yesterday, Ministry Spokesman Tep Asnarith clarified that the owner of the outlet had contravened the professional standards of journalism and failed to fulfil its obligations as stipulated within the framework of the website’s business licence.

As a result of numerous complaints regarding the outlet’s breach of professional ethics, the Ministry of Information had repeatedly counselled the outlet owner to cease such misconduct and return to conducting their work by proper standards.

“But the owner of this outlet did not accept and follow those instructions; instead, this outlet continued to violate professional ethics, not following the legal procedures and norms in force.

Therefore, the Ministry decided to cancel the business licence of this media outlet,” he said.

According to data revealed during the ministry’s annual meeting in January, Cambodia has in total some 10,000 journalists, and about 4,000 of them have registered.

As of January, there are 933 online TVs and websites, 447 registered newspapers, 52 journalism associations, 194 magazines, 21 bulletins, 113 printing houses, 27 foreign news agencies and representative offices, 283 FM radio stations and 19 TV channels in Cambodia.

Pheaktra, at that time, said the ministry would further enhance all Media to assure Information security, focusing on access to information, quality of information, and safety of information.

Asnarith yesterday strongly urged all journalists and media outlets to uphold and respect the principles of journalistic ethics.

Additionally, it is crucial to enhance the capacity to establish and maintain positive relationships with information sources, including spokespersons from ministries, competent authorities, and other relevant parties, he noted.

Journalists must fulfil their duties within the legal framework and refrain from exceeding their responsibilities to collectively uphold the professional values of the journalism profession, Asnarith said.

“In addition, journalists and the press must actively participate in promoting the dissemination of factual information with quality content by ensuring that all information is comprehensive, well-sourced, balanced, professional and responsible to contribute to the development of the information sector to grow even more,” he added.

Careers in the field of information must operate within the legal framework established by the Press Law and must adhere to the prevailing legal norms while upholding professional ethics, he said.

“For any act that violates the law, regulations and professional ethics, the outlet shall face the consequences of its violation, may be summoned to receive guidance to orient the work by the professional code and legal framework or get a warning letter and in severe cases may lead to the revocation of the business licence,” he explained.

Nop Vy, the executive director at Cambodian Journalists Alliance (CamboJA), expressed concern yesterday over the recent developments, noting that the Press Law was not being implemented, and instead, the Penal Code was being applied against the journalists.

“It should be avoided,” he said, adding that there should be amendments to the law regarding legal measures against journalists.

For Vy, unfamiliarity about journalistic ethics should not result in the revoking of a media licence but a fine instead. “The measure (revoking of licences) would strongly influence the performance and freedom of the press because they would not dare cover news related to social issues. If there were minor mistakes, then their licences would be revoked.”

• Tags: media licence, Neth Pheaktra