Phnom Penh, June 26, 2024 – Following a tragic shooting that resulted in two fatalities, the Ministry of Information has issued a stern directive urging media outlets to cease broadcasting images of the victims, citing a breach of journalistic ethics.

Tep Asarith, Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Information, addressed the response to this incident during a briefing with the ministry's online media executive working group on June 26. He emphasized the urgent need for all social media users and media outlets to immediately cease sharing and delete any content related to this or similar events that violate social and professional ethical standards.

Asarith highlighted the ministry's commitment to upholding the dignity of victims and their families while fostering a responsible media environment that respects the values of society. He expressed gratitude towards the public and social media users who adhered to the ministry's call for ethical reporting.

Addressing professional journalists, Asarith stressed the importance of advancing journalistic standards in the face of rapidly evolving technology. He urged media professionals to enhance their skills through ongoing education and exchange programs with both national and international journalists, aiming to improve the quality and effectiveness of information dissemination.

The spokesperson detailed the ministry's strategies for preventing the spread of unethical journalistic content, which include comprehensive professional training and the modernization of institutional practices. These efforts are integral to building human capital, maintaining order, and fostering public trust in the Cambodian media landscape.

Furthermore, Asarith underscored the ministry's readiness to collaborate with media associations to bolster journalistic standards through targeted training that covers ethical reporting, production, and information dissemination. This initiative aims to equip journalists with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of the media industry responsibly.

In summary, the Ministry of Information is taking decisive action to ensure that reporting standards are not only maintained but enhanced, reflecting a commitment to ethical journalism and the responsible sharing of information in Cambodia.