Reporting on Sonando Case Shows Differences in Local Media
The 20-year jail sentence for independent radio station owner Mam Sonando made headlines around the world yesterday, but coverage of Mr. Sonando’s case was markedly different in local Khmer-language media yesterday, particularly national TV where not a mention was made. While the three major Khmer-language newspapers- Rasmei Kampuchea, Koh Santepheap, and Kampuchea Thmey Daily-ran front page stories on the sentencing, only one, Rasmei Kampuchea, quoted sources critical of the sentences. … While international news outlets ran stories that questioned the legitimacy of the verdict-“Another critic is silenced in Cambodia,” The New York Times; “Supporters cry foul as veteran Cambodian rights activist gets 20 years,” Reuters; “Donors urged to confront Cambodian abuses,” The Age-local television stations seemed to ignore the case altogether yesterday. …
