By: CHIM Linna
If we compare the media environment in Cambodia today to ten years ago, it appears to be fast changing in favor of professionalism. As a result, many journalists are able to attend media classes or media training courses, and they begin to use that information, together with previous experiences, to do their profession properly.
At the same time, some journalists are still unsure of their duty or what professionalism and morals entail, while others simply utilize the journalist moniker for financial gain and to harm others' reputations.
They sometimes write a tale without considering the "ethical" issue that is firmly embedded in his or her article's substance, and they maintain their style almost as a habit.
In response to the current scenario and other people's concerns regarding women who have been raped being victimized by newspapers or the ethical case in the media industry, I would like to offer my young understanding as follows.
Some media outlets may have their own policy of only publishing stories with a clear source that includes a name, sex, address, or other confidential information, and they may not accept anonymous sources. As a result, in the tale, the writer and editor actually optimize truthtelling while showing the readers practically everything--the real name, images, and address. This policy, however, will not be applicable in all situations because law and ethics are on the same page at the same time.
Law and Ethics are not synonymous. When discussing ethical journalism, the focus may be on how to make the story more professional and moral. To be professional, journalists and editors must emphasize truthfulness while limiting harm to their story in advance.
In the article given as an example, the journalist and editor demonstrated the genuine situation—fact—that reflects what is happening more and seriously in society. And it can make susceptible individuals aware of this disgusting rape case. Furthermore, it might notify the authorities or government to tighten the policy for safeguarding victims and prohibiting future cases. Unfortunately, this post was created with the intention of causing maximum pain because the victims may be the subject of public discussion while everyone is aware of her situation.
Overall, this work educates Cambodians to be careful of their children, both boys and girls, and it also sends an important message to the government to pay greater attention to such crimes. Now, we may not be able to make a 100 percent judgment on whether the writer and editor made the correct decision by including their name, address, and/or image in their piece, but we will rely on the Press Law outlined below:
According to Cambodia law, KRAM DATED SEPTEMBER 1, 1995, ON THE REGIME OF THE PRESS, CHAPTER 2: PRESS RESPONSIBILITY stated that:
Article 15:
Unless there is permission from the court, the press may not publish information, photographs or drawings that may make it possible for the readers to identify and know the name of:
1. parties in any civil suit involving paternity, marriage, divorce or child custody;
2. youth under the age of 18 in any civil or criminal suit; or
3. a woman who is a victim of molestation or rape.
If concerned person or custodian has agreed in writing, the press may publish this information, except only when such publication may effect the investigation of the court.
Any individual whose rights under this article are violated by the press are entitled to file a civil action in court for compensation.
If we compare the media environment in Cambodia today to ten years ago, it appears to be fast changing in favor of professionalism. As a result, many journalists are able to attend media classes or media training courses, and they begin to use that information, together with previous experiences, to do their profession properly.
At the same time, some journalists are still unsure of their duty or what professionalism and morals entail, while others simply utilize the journalist moniker for financial gain and to harm others' reputations.
They sometimes write a tale without considering the "ethical" issue that is firmly embedded in his or her article's substance, and they maintain their style almost as a habit.
In response to the current scenario and other people's concerns regarding women who have been raped being victimized by newspapers or the ethical case in the media industry, I would like to offer my young understanding as follows.
Some media outlets may have their own policy of only publishing stories with a clear source that includes a name, sex, address, or other confidential information, and they may not accept anonymous sources. As a result, in the tale, the writer and editor actually optimize truthtelling while showing the readers practically everything--the real name, images, and address. This policy, however, will not be applicable in all situations because law and ethics are on the same page at the same time.
Law and Ethics are not synonymous. When discussing ethical journalism, the focus may be on how to make the story more professional and moral. To be professional, journalists and editors must emphasize truthfulness while limiting harm to their story in advance.
In the article given as an example, the journalist and editor demonstrated the genuine situation—fact—that reflects what is happening more and seriously in society. And it can make susceptible individuals aware of this disgusting rape case. Furthermore, it might notify the authorities or government to tighten the policy for safeguarding victims and prohibiting future cases. Unfortunately, this post was created with the intention of causing maximum pain because the victims may be the subject of public discussion while everyone is aware of her situation.
Overall, this work educates Cambodians to be careful of their children, both boys and girls, and it also sends an important message to the government to pay greater attention to such crimes. Now, we may not be able to make a 100 percent judgment on whether the writer and editor made the correct decision by including their name, address, and/or image in their piece, but we will rely on the Press Law outlined below:
According to Cambodia law, KRAM DATED SEPTEMBER 1, 1995, ON THE REGIME OF THE PRESS, CHAPTER 2: PRESS RESPONSIBILITY stated that:
Article 15:
Unless there is permission from the court, the press may not publish information, photographs or drawings that may make it possible for the readers to identify and know the name of:
1. parties in any civil suit involving paternity, marriage, divorce or child custody;
2. youth under the age of 18 in any civil or criminal suit; or
3. a woman who is a victim of molestation or rape.
If concerned person or custodian has agreed in writing, the press may publish this information, except only when such publication may effect the investigation of the court.
Any individual whose rights under this article are violated by the press are entitled to file a civil action in court for compensation.