Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - VOD’s media licence revoked

VOD’s media licence revoked

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Journalists taking photographs in the newsroom of the Voice of Democracy (VOD) office in Phnom Penh on February 13. Hong Menea

VOD’s media licence revoked

The Ministry of Information on February 13 annulled the licence of online news outlet VOD, which was overseen by the Cambodian Centre for Independent Media (CCIM), for “gross professional misconduct” in relation to their recent reporting on the authorisation of the Kingdom’s disaster relief to quake-hit Turkiye.

The licence, issued by the ministry’s General Department of Information and Broadcasting on December 15, 2021, permitted CCIM to engage in activities in the information sector.

“[VOD] seriously abused the journalist profession and tarnished the honour and prestige of the government, as they refused to run corrections in accordance with the provisions of the press law,” it said in the letter.

VOD, which published in both Khmer and English and also produced radio programmes, claimed in its February 9 report that Hun Manet – deputy commander-in-chief of the Royal Cambodia Armed Forces (RCAF) and future prime ministerial candidate for the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) – had signed off on a government decision to send $100,000 in aid to Turkiye (formerly spelled Turkey) on his father’s behalf.

Hun Sen last gave VOD 24 hours on February 12 to issue a public apology, but eventually gave the revocation order after rejecting its letter expressing “regret” for confusions caused by the article and requesting tolerance later that day. He said the word “regret” used in the letter – submitted to him through his cabinet on the evening of February 12 – did not amount to an apology.

Following the rejection, VOD issued another letter dated February 12 but made public on its official Facebook page in the early hours of February 13, this time with an explicit apology, a move deemed by the premier as being “too little, too late”.

“Why didn’t you issue an apology earlier [on February 12] instead of doing so past midnight? You cared more about your image and dared not make an apology until after you got slapped in the face,” he said in reference to his order to revoke the licence.

“As the prime minister, my decision is now final,” he said.

Hun Sen told the staff of VOD who lost their jobs to blame their leadership or the journalist who made the mistake of “spreading slanderous news” and did not take responsibility.

VOD’s second letter said it very much regretted disseminating information affecting the honour of Manet and the government.

“VOD begs your pardon for having published the article,” it said.

Its first letter to Hun Sen said it “regretted” causing confusion with the article by saying that Manet had acted on behalf of his father in signing the document authorising the donation of funds for earthquake relief to Turkiye.

“VOD wishes to express its regrets … if any unintentional wrongs were committed against the prime minister and [Manet],” read the letter.

In his rejection, Hun Sen rhetorically asked if VOD’s clarification intended to blame any government officials. He advised government spokesman Phay Siphan to look into the possibility of filing a court complaint as the author initially identified him as the source for the information.

“To avoid prolonging this, I’ve decided not to accept their ‘regret’ that they expressed instead of making an apology … As a government leader, I decide to end this matter and order the ministry to revoke the licence, effective 10am on February 13, 2023,” Hun Sen wrote on his official Facebook page.

Hun Sen also advised the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration and relevant institutions to help uphold public order and protect the property of VOD.

“We just closed down VOD as a publication, but that doesn’t affect their property. Foreign friends who funded VOD, please divert your funds to other countries and help them instead. Unemployed staff at VOD, please look for jobs elsewhere,” he said.

MOST VIEWED

  • Bareknuckle champion wants Kun Khmer fighter

    Dave Leduc, who is the current openweight Lethwei boxing champion in Myanmar, has announced that he will travel to Cambodia this year to challenge SEA Games gold medallist Prum Samnang any time that is convenient, after their planned match later this month in Slovakia was

  • 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,

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.