Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Corruption culture and low pay hurting journalism ethics in Cambodia: report

Corruption culture and low pay hurting journalism ethics in Cambodia: report

Union of Journalist Federations of Cambodia Director Huy Vannak (centre) speaks to the press last year. Vannak agreed with journalists cited in a report, who said low salaries led them to accept ‘bribes’. Fresh News
Union of Journalist Federations of Cambodia Director Huy Vannak (centre) speaks to the press last year. Vannak agreed with journalists cited in a report, who said low salaries led them to accept ‘bribes’. Fresh News

Corruption culture and low pay hurting journalism ethics in Cambodia: report

Meagre salaries amid a culture of corruption was the key factor as to why Cambodian journalists interviewed in a recent survey accepted bribes and often failed to act ethically in their jobs, according to new research.

The study, published in the Journal of Media Ethics earlier this month, interviewed 29 journalists and 25 trainers and donors to media programs to examine journalism ethics in the Kingdom.

“In terms of barriers to practicing journalism ethically, low pay, poor work environments, and general societal corruption all featured strongly,” the report said. “Among journalists, low pay was seen as the biggest obstacle to ethical behavior.”

“Journalists cited a high incidence of self-censorship, fear, cultural incompatibility [and] management glass ceilings [as barriers] much more than facilitators and donors.”

The report nearly coincides with the latest press freedom rankings, which saw Cambodia drop 10 places in the annual index from Reporters Without Borders, down to 142 globally.

The majority of journalists interviewed in the survey cited the “idea that journalism ethics is a primarily Western-oriented concept that does not work effectively in a Cambodian context”.

The “lack of clarity” on that topic could be seen in the “acceptability of taking bribes”, the report said, with one journalist describing it as akin to monks receiving alms.

“If the people want to get the monk to come and make prayers and bless the house they will also give them a small gift or a present. This is not corruption,” one journalist said.

Another suggested it was ethically sound to accept money willingly offered, but it was problematic if a journalist asked for money.

With Cambodian journalists routinely paid between $200 and $300 per month, it was no surprise they accepted bribes, if they even perceived them as bribes at all, according to Huy Vannak, director of the Union of Journalist Federations of Cambodia and an Interior Ministry official.

“I think it is a matter of ethics or food – which one are you going to take first?” he said.

Where such transactions take place, it is unlikely a journalist would write a “negative story”, he said, adding that ethical standards needed to improve in the industry along with salaries.

Muyhong Chan, a lecturer at the Royal University of Phnom Penh’s Department of Media and Communications and a former Post reporter, said her students were properly taught ethical standards, and said bribes were unacceptable and outlets must be transparent when an article is paid for by an advertiser.

“Regardless of where the concept of value of ethical journalism comes from, journalists should maintain their independence from political influence, otherwise the media do not hold their value or power anymore,” she said.

Vannak added journalists had a “moral” imperative to balance the positive with the negative and should shun fake news.

“War starts from words, not just from the gun,” he said.

MOST VIEWED

  • Five-year-old Hanuman dances his way into hearts of Cambodia

    A young talent from a new-established settlement has emerged, captivating the online world with his mesmerising performances of the traditional Cambodian monkey dance. Roeun Kakada is a five-year-old prodigy who has taken the social media sphere by storm with his exceptional dance skills and dedication

  • Fresh Covid warnings as Thai hospital fills

    A senior health official reminds the public to remain vigilant, as neighbouring countries experience an increase in Covid-19 cases, with the latest surge appearing to be a result of the Omicron XBB.1.5 sub-variant. Or Vandine, secretary of state and spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health,

  • Honda shutters Siem Reap football club

    Japanese football legend Keisuke Honda, the owner of Siem Reap football club Soltilo Angkor FC, has been forced to shut the club down, after it failed to attract sponsorship for the upcoming season. Honda, the former manager of the Cambodia men's national football team, said

  • Hun Sen warns of regional tensions

    ASIA is becoming a dangerous geopolitical hotspot, with several countries announcing that they intend to send naval vessels towards Southeast Asia and on to the South China Sea, warned Prime Minister Hun Sen. “Heated geopolitical issues can easily escalate, namely to war. I am not

  • PM declares ASEAN Para Games open

    The 12th ASEAN Para Games officially kicked off on the evening of June 3 at Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh, with a spectacular opening ceremony featuring fireworks and performances by some of the Kingdom’s most accomplished talents. Tens of thousands of sports fans

  • Waterway job still pending for Kampot tourism port’s opening

    The search is still on for a contractor to expand and deepen the Kampot International Tourism Port’s waterway and deliver additional enhancements allowing safe access for larger vessels, nearly a year after the main construction work on the 4.25ha site was completed on June 30, 2022.