Information Minister Advises Magazines not to Publish Pornography

By Soy Sophea

Cambodian Information Minister Khieu Kanharith has advised publishers and editors of local magazines in Cambodia not to print pornography as it contradicts Cambodia’s culture.
Khieu Kanharith told a meeting of editorial groups at the Ministry of Information on April 30 that extreme pornography affects Cambodian traditions and culture and provokes sex crimes.

“I do not mean that slightly sexy images cannot be published,” he said. “But avoid pornography at all costs.”

However, Kanharith admired Cambodian magazine editors for their efforts to print colorful, well-illustrated reading material.

“Overall, you have done well for Cambodian society,” he said. “Your magazines can push the younger generation to be interested in journalism and photography as well.”

The Minister urged all Cambodian magazine publishers to establish an association. He said that the balance needs redressing as there are 18 associations covering newspapers. “I want to see the establishment of a Cambodia’s magazine association as it will help to improve their work and quality,” Kanharith said.

Puy Kea, a Board Member at the Club of Cambodian Journalists (CCJ), said the Minister’s initiative is very good as Cambodia has many press associations and associations for TV and radio.

“A variety of specific associations will help to promote freedom of the press in Cambodia.” Kea said.

Puy Kea, who is also a correspondent for Kyodo news, a Japanese news wire, urged the establishment of a dedicated magazine association. This will set it apart from the CCJ – an organization that represents every other form of media in the country, including TV, radio and newswires.

Cheth Saroeurn, Editor of Preah Chan Khmer Language magazine, agreed with the minister’s advice when referring to pornography. He said magazines should not publish nudity and he was rather cool on the idea of unnecessarily alluring images as well. However, he saw their value from a business point of view.

“If we don’t have sexy images, our magazine will not sell,” Saroeurn said. “Men will not read it.”
He said that he was also in broad agreement with the call for a magazine publisher’s association.