Minister: Media must avoid interviews with intoxicated or unstable individuals

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Nov.08, 2025) — Cambodia’s information minister on Friday urged journalists to refrain from interviewing people who are intoxicated, mentally unstable or emotionally distressed, warning that such practices violate ethical standards and infringe on human dignity.

Speaking at a media ethics forum in Phnom Penh, Information Minister Neth Pheaktra said reporters and broadcasters must protect individual privacy and uphold the credibility of the profession. The event was held at the Ministry of Information’s Training and Professional Development Centre.

“Interviewing people under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or those suffering from mental illness, not only breaches journalism’s code of conduct but can cause real harm,” Pheaktra said. “Such interviews must not be conducted, aired live or shared online in ways that mock or exploit the person’s condition.”

The meeting brought together journalists, media organization representatives and communication professionals to discuss ethical standards and future directions for Cambodia’s information and broadcasting sectors.

Pheaktra’s remarks come amid growing public debate over ethical boundaries in journalism, particularly in the age of social media, where videos and livestreams are often shared without editorial oversight.

He called on news outlets to prioritize accuracy, fairness and compassion, warning that sensationalizing distress or suffering for entertainment erodes public trust in the media.
The minister also encouraged journalists to pursue ongoing training and peer collaboration, saying high ethical standards are essential to strengthening Cambodia’s media reputation.

The Ministry of Information said it will continue working with media institutions to promote responsible reporting and improve public understanding of journalism ethics through regular workshops and forums.