Cambodian Journalists Alliance Association

Our Story

2018

Explore what makes CamboJA

CamboJA is the only independent network of professional journalists in Cambodia which has been formed by a number of journalists, including former reporters of the Cambodia Daily and Phnom Penh Post which faced government repression in the lead up to 2018 general elections.

2018
2019

In the context of growing restrictions on the media freedom and freedom of expression, CamboJA was initiated by more than 20 professional journalists from different media outlets during a meeting on media situation in Cambodia in February 2019.

2019
2020

Eventually, 15 of them agreed to form a governing body of CamboJA and became board members, aiming to establish a sustainable independent body that can carry out a mission to promote access to information and press freedom, strengthen the professionalism of journalists, and support their livelihoods.

2020

Vision

CamboJA envisions Cambodian journalists as being professional and able to exercise their duty to report freely, safely, securely and without censorship or pressure from any party or because of their living conditions or their family and social status. Their professional work should build trust among people through their articles, which should promote the public interest and push for social justice, finding solutions and provoking responses from responsible stakeholders to the concerns raised by people. Professional journalists should benefit from their careers, earning appreciation and building their reputations. We believe that professional journalists are a national resource who can contribute to major achievements and compile documents that will be used as a historical record in the future.

Mission

CamboJA promotes access to information and press freedom, strengthen the professionalism of journalists, and support their livelihoods.

Leadership and Management Structure

CamboJA includes the following governance bodies:

  • Annual Congress (AC) CamboJA holds the congress for members and board of directors to meet on an annual basis at the end of each year, depending on affordability of the institution.

  • Board of Directors (BoD)Consists of at least three members led by one director and two deputies. The board meets at least once per quarter to review the progress of the executive committee and direct the organization strategic plan.

  • Technical Advisors Technical advisors will be recruited based on the actual need and being proposed and approved by Board of Director, the technical advisors will not directly manage CamboJA and make any decision, but only provide technical support and advice.

  • Management Committee Composed of representatives (3-5 people) from all programs/units of CamboJA; meets on a biweekly basis to review and coordinate the daily activities of CamboJA. It is under a direct supervision of an executive director.

Core Values

  • ProfessionalismThis is one of CamboJA’s primary tenets. Our work is based on professionalism, journalistic skills and a code of ethics. We work without fear or favor.

  • Integrity We stand for integrity. Integrity, transparency, credibility, fairness and reporting the truth are our foundations.

  • Freedom We stand for the fundamental freedom of expression, particularly press freedom. We support all journalists to exercise their freedoms that are guaranteed by national and international laws. CamboJA does not support any action that leads to the narrowing of press freedom.

  • ResponsibilityCamboJA is responsible for all of its actions under Cambodian laws, particularly in relation to its publications, content and activities.

  • Gender Equity CamboJA promotes women’s participation in journalism. CamboJA is open to the active participation of women journalists at all levels