Cambodia Political Orientation
Government
Government Type: Constitutional Monarchy
Leader: Prime Minister Hun Sen (1985-August 2023), to be succeeded by his son, Hun Manet
Political Party: Cambodian People’s Party (CPP)
Political Position: Right-Center, aligned with Centrist Democrat International.
Press Freedom
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: 33.01 (Limited Freedom)
World Press Freedom Rank: Cambodia 147/180
According to Reporters Without Borders, Cambodia is ranked 147 out of 180 countries in the 2023 World Press Freedom Index. The organization cites government control over media outlets and legal harassment against journalists, among other factors, for low ranking.
Media Ownership and Government Analysis
In Cambodia, the media landscape is greatly influenced by the government. The state controls or influences numerous media outlets in the country, such as television stations, radio stations, and newspapers. This control also extends to online media, implementing restrictive laws and practices that limit freedom of expression on the internet.
The majority of media outlets in Cambodia are owned by individuals or companies with close ties to the government, including TV, radio, and newspapers. For example, Say Chhum, owner of the top daily newspaper Rasmei Kampuchea and license holder for Apsara TV and radio stations, is the Cambodian Senate President and co-vice president of the Cambodian People’s Party.
Freedom House notes that Cambodia’s government has tightened its grip on online content, enacting laws for monitoring online activities. For instance, under Prime Minister Hun Sen’s order, Cambodia enforced censorship on the Voices of Democracy website, a move seen as part of broader efforts to tighten online control through the upcoming National Internet Gateway law.
In summary, the media in Cambodia operates under significant government control and influence, which has led to a lack of press and internet freedom. State control over media ownership has resulted in a media landscape that lacks diversity and limits the ability of independent media to operate.
Last Updated on July 27, 2023 by Media Bias Fact Check
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