PHNOM PENH: The Head of the Royal Government of Cambodia, Prime Minister Hun Sen, has called on journalists to further develop their technical skills and increase their capacities in news writing and dissemination of information, to increase public confidence in the press, and adequately respond to the evolution of digital media technology.
Prime Minister Hun Sen made this call through a message he released on the occasion of the 29th World Press Freedom Day on Tuesday, 3 May.
In his message he said that the 29th World Press Freedom Day highlights the topic of press in the digital age, and calls for more joint efforts to be made by stakeholders to support press freedom and understand the challenges faced by the media due to the growing use, and sharing of information on social media.
The Prime Minister said that combined with the global economic crisis brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic and global political crises, both digital and traditional forms of media face financial difficulties, and many media outlets have been forced into closure during this time. Globally, this key issue requires state institutions, the press, journalists and all stakeholders to work together to find common ground to help the media landscape down the path of normalization.
He further added that at the same time, some media outlets are also having to reckon with the development of digital media technology, which has put traditional media and journalists up against market competition with online media channels. The Prime Minister said that now, any individual, single entity or organization has its own media channels that can receive and disseminate information at any time, at fast speeds, and with the most up-to-date and diverse information.
In this regard, the Prime Minister said the media, especially traditional media, are required to strive towards digitalization, to enter a greater potential market and provide factual and professional information to increase public confidence and compete with digital and social media.
Prime Minister Hun Sen affirmed that the Royal Government of Cambodia is committed to protecting the right to freedom of expression, freedom of press and promoting the partnership between the Royal Government and indispensable media platforms, within the framework of a multi-party liberal democracy.
The Royal Government has given top priority in its political program to the media, in order to fight against corruption and contribute to legal and judicial reform, public administration reform, the promotion of democracy and the rule of law, and respect for human rights to build a society of justice, peace and long-term development, which is the Royal Government’s aspiration and vision that has thus far achieved great success.
World Press Freedom Day is held on 3 May every year, and aims to promote freedom of expression, freedom of press, media independence, and pluralism. The day serves as a reminder to governments across the world to be committed to respecting and promoting the freedom of press, and ensuring the safety of journalists. The press is also encouraged to play a professional and transparent role, so as to gain the trust and support of the public.
