Our Story
2007
The Cambodian Center for Independent Media (CCIM) was established in the first quarter of 2007 and duly registered with the Ministry of Interior on June 15, 2007, as a non-governmental organization (NGO). CCIM was organized to work for the promotion of independent media, press freedom, freedom of expression, access to information, and internet freedom. CCIM began its operation by continuing the production and broadcast of radio programs dubbed Voice of Democracy (VOD), which was started by the Cambodian Center for Human Rights in 2003 until 2007.
2009
CCIM completely managed two radio stations in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in collaboration with the respective broadcasting partners. Under the name of Radio Sarika FM, it broadcasted radio programs produced by VOD, such talk shows, call-in shows and hourly radio news reports. It also broadcasted other contents such as entertainment programs and popular Cambodian music.
2011
CCIM established its own online news website named VOD (www.vodkhmer.news) to engage in a new platform for its news and information as the country embraces quickly online technology. In three-year time, VOD has grown significantly and attracted up to 10,000 visitors per day. Using Google Analytics, it recorded a total of 502,000 visits and 1.3 million page views in the six-month period in 2013.
2012
CCIM started the Citizen Journalist Networking Program, trained around 500 citizen journalists providing information to VOD reporters, mobilizing citizen journalists in reporting gender violence issues, public delivery services, and corruption issues.
2014
On World Press Freedom Day, VOD launched its Online TV News (www.vodhotnews.com/tv), which is now integrated into the VOD news website.
2014
On World Press Freedom Day, VOD launched its Online TV News (www.vodhotnews.com/tv), which is now integrated into the VOD news website.
CCIM started the Media and Information Literacy (MIL) program to equip young people with the skills needed to navigate today’s complex information environment. With the rapid advancement of digital technology, many Cambodians—especially youth—now rely on social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube as their primary sources of information.
2017
The Cambodian government ordered the suspension of VOD radio broadcasts along with other international and opposition-linked programs. CCIM’s radio partnerships ended, and Radio Sarika FM ceased broadcasting.
2019
In the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2019, the Khmer-language VOD news website is launching its English pages to share to the non-Khmer online users its newsworthy and informative stories on Cambodia. VOD’s English page is publishing in-depth, feature and investigative stories which some of them are going to be translated from VOD’s Khmer website. VOD’s mission is to provide the people of Cambodia with greater access to reliable, relevant, and independent media and contribute to promoting media freedom, human rights, democracy and good governance in Cambodia.
2020
VOD launched its mobile application, offering multimedia news content in Khmer and English with interactive features for user feedback and tips.
2023
In February 2023, the media license for VOD was revoked. Since then, CCIM focuses on media development initiatives with four main programs: Citizen Journalist Program, Journalism and Media Training Unit, Media and Information Literacy, and Network and Advocacy
Our Vision
In collaboration with the Cambodian citizens and civil society organizations, CCIM will fearlessly bring the information to the people that matters to them and protect the gains
Our Mission
“Everybody well informed, everybody empowered”
CCIM envisions a Cambodian society where everybody is well-informed and empowered to strengthen democratic governance and respect for human rights.
Our Core Value
Active Non-Violence – CCIM openly supports the right of the Cambodian people to freely and peacefully express their opinion on issues affecting their lives, including the right to active non-violent protest and action. CCIM opposes and will expose impunity, particularly the use of violence and lethal force by government agents against those peacefully demanding rights and justice.
Equal Voice
CCIM amplifies marginalized voices and promotes an inclusive Cambodia by advancing gender equality and opposing discrimination based on race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or other status across society and institutions.
Trust
Journalists will provide news and in-depth information from reliable and multiple sources, which is accurate and fact-checked. Reporting by journalists journalists will meet best-practice professional ethical standards.
Integrity
CCIM is committed to maintaining principled independence and honesty in all of its work, resisting external pressure and upholding the highest ethical standards
Non-partisan
CCIM is an organization without any political party affiliation. We firmly believe in the right of the people to make a democratic choice in selecting their political leaders and the policies that will be pursued.
Accountability
CCIM is an organization without any political party affiliation. We firmly believe in the right of the people to make a democratic choice in selecting their political leaders and the policies that will be pursued.