Cambodia Considers Formation of Ethics Council to Uphold Values and Ethics for Journalists
The 20th Cambodia Editors Forum recently discussed the creation of a journalistic ethics council, a move supported by Neth Pheaktra, the Minister of Information. Pheaktra emphasized the importance of a unified ethical framework for journalists, comparing it to a constitution that everyone must follow without exception. The goal is to ensure that all journalists have legal protection, with media institutions operating on a common set of principles. The Ministry of Information plans to collaborate with journalists’ associations to establish a shared code of ethics that garners unanimous agreement.
Puy Kea, President of the Club of Cambodian Journalists (CCJ), highlighted the need for further discussion to determine whether the ethics council should be established first or if the focus should be on creating a standard set of journalistic ethics. The CCJ has been actively involved in the development of professional ethics for the past 20 years and encourages journalists to consider their journalism code of ethics as a foundational practice.
During the forum, Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized the importance of professional ethics and called on journalists to prioritize peace, national development, and democracy. He urged the provision of accurate information, combating disinformation, and avoiding content that harms national interests and public confidence.
The event brought together managing directors, editors-in-chief, and leaders from various media outlets. They collaborated to endorse a nine-point joint statement on Professional and Journalistic Ethics, aiming to establish mechanisms that guide and motivate journalists in implementing professional ethics.
The establishment of a journalistic ethics council would provide journalists with legal protection and ensure a common ethical framework for media institutions. Collaboration between the Ministry of Information and journalists’ associations will be crucial in developing a shared code of ethics that reflects the values and standards of the journalism profession.
The discussions at the Cambodia Editors Forum reflect the dedication to upholding professional ethics among journalists in Cambodia. As the industry continues to evolve, the establishment of an ethics council could play a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of journalism and fostering public trust in the media.
Keywords: Cambodia, ethics council, journalists, values, ethics, Minister of Information, Neth Pheaktra, unified framework, constitution, legal protection, collaboration, code of conduct, shared values, mutual respect, Club of Cambodian Journalists, Prime Minister Hun Manet, professional ethics, joint statement, media institutions, integrity, public trust.
