The purpose of this year-long course is to deliver advanced classes on investigative reporting skills to mid-career reporters and editors, and to support them in identifying and developing investigative reports for social impact. The participants, who promise to be at the forefront of advocating for and utilizing the Access to Information legislation once passed, represent prominent and trusted news agencies in print, broadcast and online journalism in Cambodia. By working with journalists to raise professionalism and ethical practices, UNESCO aims to support the efforts of Cambodia’s independent media to make the government more accountable to its citizens.

The courses cover issues related to media ethics, media regulation and access to information, and  aim to bring like-minded colleagues to work on new challenging assignments, build skills and enhance the standards of their news organizations. The participants have the opportunity to bring ethical dilemmas they face daily to the table for discussion and explore ways to change the media scene. Ms. Jamie Lee, UNESCO Communication and Information Specialist, underscored the highly collaborative approach of the trainings: “Creating strong networks of journalists across the country especially in remote and rural areas promotes a culture of dialogue among media practitioners. This supports advocacy efforts for free expression and improves the safety of journalists. In Cambodia, media regulation and policies are constantly evolving along with the practice of journalism and at this juncture in Cambodia, with the drafting of the Access to Information legislation, and looming of the cybercrimes and state secrecy laws, there is more than ever a need for exchange about freedom of the press across all media platforms.”

The challenges and obstacles the journalists encounter in their practices will be fodder for informing the draft law on Access to Information slated to pass the National Assembly before 2017. UNESCO hopes to compile the challenges journalists face and to take policy direction from the lessons learned. The media perspective is especially crucial as UNESCO and the Government of Cambodia understand the important role that an Access to Information legislation plays in promoting independent news and democratic governance. Mr. Touch Yinmony, the media coordinator of the Cambodia Communication Institute (CCI) expressed his hopes for the initiative: “I do believe that the main subjects of investigative reporting, media law and ethics and Access to Information will help our trainees have more concrete knowledge and a deeper understanding of their roles in strengthening democracy in our country.”