(Phnom Penh): The Ministry of Information of Cambodia has published a national survey indicating that a significant majority of respondents rated the state of press freedom and media order in the country as "good," according to the press release dated 29 April 2026 by the Ministry of Information.

The report, titled "The State of Press Freedom in Cambodia 2026," was presented during a press conference conducted by Minister of Information Neth Pheaktra at the ministry in Phnom Penh, with attendance from journalists and media representatives.

According to the survey findings, 80.8 per cent of respondents within Cambodia's information sector assessed the current state of press freedom positively.

Released in anticipation of World Press Freedom Day 2026, this year's theme is "Shaping a Peaceful Future: Strengthening Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development, and Security." The Ministry aims to provide journalists, media professionals, and the public with updated insights regarding working conditions and the status of media freedoms in Cambodia.

The results revealed that 85.8 per cent of respondents reported having full freedom to gather information and publish public news. Additionally, 70.4 per cent reported not having encountered threats, harassment, or violence in the course of their journalistic activities over the past year.

Furthermore, 84.6 per cent confirmed that they had never faced legal action from either citizens or authorities regarding their reporting.

During the press conference, Minister Neth Pheaktra stated that the report is intended to evaluate the health of Cambodia's media sector, identify both progress and ongoing challenges, and inform future policy directions for the information and broadcasting industries.

He also underscored the reforms underway concerning institutional modernization, regulatory frameworks, and efforts to uphold media order from 2025 into early 2026.

The ministry has committed to mediating disputes involving journalists, pursuing out-of-court resolutions where feasible, and providing legal support for cases progressing through the judicial system. It remains a priority to enhance professional training, legal awareness, and ethical guidance to elevate journalism standards and ensure compliance with Cambodian law.

The report further indicated that 75.26 per cent of respondents rated press order in Cambodia as "good," reflecting an increase of 3.46 per cent points from 71.8 per cent in 2025.

In his remarks, Minister Neth Pheaktra emphasized that in the digital age, press freedom must be balanced with legal compliance, ethical standards, and social responsibility to promote information security, maintain public order, and safeguard national security.

The ministry will continue its efforts to enhance the quality of journalism, advocate for information security, uphold Cambodia's information sovereignty, and support lawful press freedom.
=FRESH NEWS