VOD Media Hits New Landmark

In September 2013, the VOD news website (www.vodhotnews.com) hit a new landmark by passing the 10,000 visitors per day milestone. VOD is the first and only national independent media network in Cambodia providing live and impartial news and analysis, both online and through two Sarika FM radio stations. Using Google Analytics to monitor website usage, the new mobile-friendly VOD website recorded over 500,000 page views during September alone. Re-launched in July 2013, the upgraded VOD website now has a number of enhanced features including dedicated space for investigative reports and videos, articles produced by our citizen journalists, and local, national and international news, sport and entertainment. In its first two full months of online broadcasting, the VOD website recorded over 320,000 visits, 32% of whom were new visitors. 26% of visitors accessed the website using a mobile phone or tablet, which reflects the growth in mobile technology and internet penetration in Cambodia. The VodHotNews.com Facebook page now has over 80,000 followers meaning that key news stories reach more people than ever before.

Through the new Sarika FM audience engagement survey, callers to Sarika FM radio shows were recorded in 14 different provinces across the country. The survey also established that 22.5% of Sarika FM listeners are under 25 years old, whilst 65% of listeners are under the age of 35. Callers included government officials, civil servants, labourers, farmers and people from various other backgrounds, reflecting a diversity of audience and the broad appeal that Sarika FM programmes now have.

VOD’s reporter covering a monks’ gathering in front of the Cambodian Royal Palace. Monks claim for the postponing of the first session of the National Assembly after the disputed elections results were officially announced. VOD online team uses information and communication technology to cover the news – 22 September 2013 – Phnom Penh, Cambodia. ©VOD.

Whilst striving to increase popularity and reach, the Cambodia Center for Independent Media (CCIM), which runs both VOD and Sarika FM, remains committed to a professional, independent, multi-platform approach to improving democracy and good governance in Cambodia. This is achieved through dissemination of news and information and the encouragement of a participative culture as well as through cooperation with many different organisations who broadcast through Sarika Radio.

However, CCIM is continually dealing with limitations of both the rights to freedom of expression and access to information, including broadcasting bans, threats of arrest, physical intimidation of VOD journalists and other CCIM staff members, and the unlawful banning of community forums. The recent circulation of false rumours, miscommunication and lack of access to credible sources of information before, during and after the July 28th 2013, National Assembly elections are contributing to the current civil unrest and demonstrate the critical importance of the service that CCIM continues to provide.

Through the constant dissemination of news via its Facebook page, through live video, radio and print media broadcasting and CCIM’s live-news SMS texting scheme, the VOD news network is now reaching a record number of people, meaning that more Cambodian citizens have access to politically neutral, impartial and professional news and information.

For more information on how to support CCIM or how to broadcast through Sarika FM radio, please contact:

Mr. Pa Noung Teang, Executive Director of CCIM

Tel: 060 409 999

Email : pnteang@vodhotnews.com

Mr. Srey Vanthun, Marketing and Promotion Manager of FM 106.5

Tel : 060 700 700

Email : marketing@sarika.fm