PHNOM PENH, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Tuesday launched its first-ever survey, finding that 99.7 percent of the surveyed journalists emphasized the importance of respecting the professional ethics of journalism.
Conducted by the Ministry of Information, the survey report, titled "The State of Press Freedom in Cambodia," revealed that 79.8 percent of surveyed journalists rated press freedom in Cambodia as "very good."
A total of 341 journalists and key figures in the media sector across the country were interviewed for the survey.
Speaking at the launch of the survey report, Information Minister Neth Pheaktra said the findings truly illustrated the vast space for the rights and freedom of the press in Cambodia.
According to the minister, 99.7 percent of the respondents emphasized the importance of respecting the professional ethics of journalism, while 92.1 percent supported the pursuit of legal measures for journalists who commit professional ethics misconduct, and 99.4 percent supported the implementation of training programs for journalists to improve their professional skills and quality.
"The aspects of the current change require all stakeholders in the information sector to self-upgrade to catch up with the current evolving trends, and to correspond with the rhythm of developing Cambodia's information sector," Pheaktra said.
"The efforts are destined to ensure the quality of information, media efficiency enabling market competitiveness, adherence to the professional ethics of journalism, while contributing to combating fake news," he said.
Pheaktra said that the Ministry of Information stands ready to work with press associations and all stakeholders to uphold the quality of professional journalism and media effectiveness, and will continue to provide social care and legal protection to ethical journalists. ■