PHNOM PENH: Cambodian authorities have called for global media organisations to strengthen their factchecking, warning that artificial intelligence and social media make misleading and manipulated content easier to spread. A senior official also urged media to provide space for differing views.
Speaking at the First Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Media Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Oct 1, Ministry of Information undersecretary of state Prak Thaveak Amida said reliable information, fair representation and respectful discussion were essential to strengthening social cohesion.
“Social cohesion does not depend on everyone holding the same view. It depends, in part, on the ability to examine differing views on the basis of verified information and with respect for those involved,” he noted.
“Responsible journalism helps sustain that common ground, especially when an issue is sensitive or public emotions are strong,” he added.
Amida represented information minister Neth Pheaktra at a “The Role of the Media in Strengthening Social Cohesion and Intercultural Dialogue” roundtable session, according to the ministry.
The day-long forum was organised by Azerbaijan’s Media Development Agency under the theme “Building Trust through Media in a Polarised World”.
It brought together senior government officials, media leaders and communication specialists from CICA member countries to discuss public trust, ethical reporting and regional media cooperation.
Amida said social media and AI had expanded opportunities for people to communicate and learn across cultures, but had also made misleading and manipulated content easier to spread.
“Such content can deepen distrust if it is accepted or shared without scrutiny,” he said.
He highlighted Cambodia’s “Say No to Fake News” campaign, saying it encouraged citizens to check the source, evidence and context of information before sharing it.
“These skills help citizens engage with information responsibly and support dialogue based on facts rather than suspicion,” he said.
According to the ministry, discussions at the forum also covered strategies to counter misinformation, strengthen journalism ethics and manage the opportunities and risks that AI presents for media organisations.
Beyond verification, Amida urged journalists to ensure that reporting on culture, identity or belief included the voices of those directly concerned and sufficient context to explain their experiences.
“An isolated incident should not be allowed to define an entire community. Accuracy, thoughtful language and professional judgment can help prevent misunderstanding from taking root,” he said.
His remarks outlined three ways media could strengthen social cohesion: fair and accurate representation, coverage that makes intercultural dialogue part of everyday public life, and credible platforms for constructive discussion of differences.
As an Asean member, Cambodia valued unity in diversity, he claimed, noting that the region’s many languages, cultures, traditions and histories placed a responsibility on journalists to consider how their coverage shaped perceptions of other communities.
Media could help audiences appreciate that diversity while recognising shared experiences and aspirations, he added.
Amida pointed to stories of cooperation in schools, workplaces and communities as a way to show how people from different backgrounds addressed common concerns together.
Exchanges among journalists and jointly produced content could bring those experiences across borders, allowing audiences to learn about other societies through the voices of their people, he said.
Cambodia welcomed cooperation among CICA media institutions and professionals on responsible reporting, verification, media literacy and the responsible use of emerging technologies.
Amida also expressed support for joint content production that presented participating countries’ cultures and experiences with authenticity and respect.
The forum featured two roundtable sessions, with the first examining initiatives, cooperation and results under Azerbaijan’s CICA chairmanship, according to the ministry.
The second session, in which Amida participated, included representatives from Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Jordan and Kyrgyzstan and was moderated by ADA University faculty member Shafag Mehraliyeva.
Amida said the media’s contribution to social cohesion depended on everyday editorial decisions, including whose voices were heard, whether claims were verified and how differences were explained.
“When those decisions are guided by accuracy, fairness and respect, the media do more than inform. They help build the trust that allows dialogue to flourish,” he said. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
