28-09-2007
By Kong Sothanarith
Cambodge Soir
Translated from French by Luc Sâr
During a seminar, the Ministry of Information (MoInf) indicated the government policy regarding the broadcasting freedom by foreign radio stations in Cambodia.
Only three international stations have the right to set up relay stations in Cambodia. That was what Khieu Kanharith, the minister of information, announced on Thursday 27 September, during a seminar on the role of radio and television in the development of Cambodia. “More than 30 radio stations are operating in Cambodia. Only RFI, BBC, and ABC [KI-Media note: ABC stands for Australian Broadcasting Corp]. have the mean to broadcast directly through relays under the present condition, because they are independent of their respective governments.” On the other hand, Radio Free Asia and Voice of America, and radio stations from the People’s Republic of China, and those from various Arab countries, are considered too close to the political power, and they did not receive the authorization to broadcast directly. Cambodian political parties still do not have the right to set up their own radio station, but they have the right to buy broadcast times on independent radio stations such as Taprohm, Beehive FM, and FM 93.5. To some members of the opposition party, as well as to some civil society organizations, this is “a discrimination policy aimed at the mastering of the airwaves (by the ruling party).”
Only three international stations have the right to set up relay stations in Cambodia. That was what Khieu Kanharith, the minister of information, announced on Thursday 27 September, during a seminar on the role of radio and television in the development of Cambodia. “More than 30 radio stations are operating in Cambodia. Only RFI, BBC, and ABC [KI-Media note: ABC stands for Australian Broadcasting Corp]. have the mean to broadcast directly through relays under the present condition, because they are independent of their respective governments.” On the other hand, Radio Free Asia and Voice of America, and radio stations from the People’s Republic of China, and those from various Arab countries, are considered too close to the political power, and they did not receive the authorization to broadcast directly. Cambodian political parties still do not have the right to set up their own radio station, but they have the right to buy broadcast times on independent radio stations such as Taprohm, Beehive FM, and FM 93.5. To some members of the opposition party, as well as to some civil society organizations, this is “a discrimination policy aimed at the mastering of the airwaves (by the ruling party).”
7 comments:
Tree Radio stations is too many.
Can we remove one. It sounds like a car with two spare tires. Isn't that a bit silly?
This reflects that the govt is scared with information from Radio Free Asia and VOA. They want people to know nothing but information from the government.
this is communist!!!
What is the big deal? just turn the God damn dial on the radio to RFI and you'll get the same information.
RFA or VOA can subscribe satellite radio to relay its emission to all over Cambodia and neighboring nations.
This may be cheaper but effectively.
Sure, but you have to pay RFI, BBC, or ABC royalty if they are going to rebroadcast their program because RFI, BBC, and ABC always copy righted their broadcast.
On the other hand, it is not the end for RFA or VOA either. They can reapply for license again. All they have to do is to demonstrate that they are a fair and balance organization. And they will not favor any side or silence any side, and that is all.
RFA can get mayarith to talk to his dada Ong XO information minister,right?
It doesn't hurt anything to try.
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