Phnom Penh — A $7 million grant to bolster independent media in Cambodia is being welcomed by the country’s journalists.
The United States Agency for International Development, or USAID, in July announced a grant designed to help “strengthen and expand the diversity of trustworthy news” in Cambodia.
Details of the funding emerged as the Cambodian Journalists Alliance Association, known as CamboJA, released its quarterly assessment of conditions for media.
CamboJA found that media are still subject to legal and physical harassment, and that some journalists were brought in for questioning by authorities.
Between April and June, the association documented one physical assault and at least six cases of legal harassment, including journalists being questioned on accusations of incitement and defamation. The Ministry of Information also revoked licenses for two media outlets that it said had violated professionalism and ethics.
Nop Vy, who is executive director of CamboJA, told VOA Khmer the association has identified two key concerns: laws used against reporters, including so-called citizen journalists who publish via social media; and a limited understanding of media ethics
among journalists new to the field.
"They still have little understanding of the journalism profession, the use of words, the use of certain behaviors, and some of the activities that, in turn, can affect some privacy rights and human rights,” he said.
Nop Vy said that lack of understanding has contributed to the growing number of lawsuits against journalists.
The head of CamboJA added that because of legal pressures, Cambodia is seeing a decline in independent journalists. That trend could in turn lead to a decline in the quality of information available to audiences, he said.
Against that backdrop, CamboJA and the country’s media widely welcome the new five-year USAID grant, which is designed to ensure audiences have access to independent news and to assist in “bolstering” local media.
“The purpose of this activity is to strengthen and expand the diversity of trustworthy news and information sources available to Cambodians so that they can be better equipped to participate in civic life,” USAID said, as it invited groups to apply.
A USAID spokesperson told VOA Khmer via email that the agency has supported Cambodia's independent media in the past and will continue to do so through the grant.
The spokesperson highlighted the importance of a strong media sector with diverse, independent information sources for democratic development.
Nop Vy, who says his organization intends to apply for a grant, said the funding will benefit Cambodia’s journalists.
"It may help to enhance press freedom and strengthen independent media. Having the right support helps protect journalists working in the field," Nop Vy said.
He said that journalists are pivotal to a democratic society and that the U.S. could contribute to reviving and reinforcing the democratic process in Cambodia.
Hang Samphors, head of Cambodian Female Journalists, or CFJ, said the assistance is important in advancing independent media in Cambodia, where the sector is small and operating space limited.
"With adequate budget for program implementation, independent media can effectively disseminate information and programs to reach our people, enabling informed decisions and contributing significantly to our country's economic development," Samphors said.
She said she hopes the aid will help more female journalists.
Tep Asnarith, spokesperson for the Cambodian Ministry of Information, emphasized the necessity for genuine stakeholder participation and adherence to professional standards in developing Cambodia's media sector.
"We are actively engaged in promoting journalistic values and fostering media sector growth," Tep Asnarith told VOA.
Cambodia ranks 151 out of 180 on the World Press Freedom Index, where 1 shows the best media environment.
This story originated in VOA’s Khmer service.
