Cambodians All Newspaper List | Most Popular Newspapers in Cambodia

In the heart of Southeast Asia, Cambodia's media scene is a vibrant tapestry woven from threads of history, resilience, and rapid technological change. From the ink-stained pages of early 20th-century publications to the glowing screens of today's smartphones, Cambodian journalism has evolved through eras of colonial influence, brutal repression, and cautious democratization. As the nation marks its journey toward modernity, understanding the full spectrum of its newspapers—from comprehensive lists to the most popular titles—and the dominant TV channels is essential. Moreover, the wave of digitalization is reshaping how Cambodians consume news, while the future promises both innovation and uncertainty. This in-depth exploration dives into Cambodia newspaper history, catalogs all newspapers in Cambodia, spotlights the Cambodia most popular top 10 newspapers, highlights the most popular TV channels in Cambodia, examines digitalization of newspapers in Cambodia, and peers into the newspaper future in this dynamic kingdom.

Whether you're a global reader curious about Khmer media or a local seeking insights into evolving trends, this guide uncovers the stories behind the stories. With over 460 registered print outlets and a burgeoning digital ecosystem, Cambodia's press remains a cornerstone of public discourse, despite challenges like political pressures and economic shifts. Let's turn the page.

Cambodia Newspaper History

The story of Cambodia newspaper history is one of survival against staggering odds, mirroring the nation's turbulent past. It begins in the colonial shadows of French Indochina, where print media emerged as a tool for both administration and subtle resistance.

The first Cambodian-language newspaper, Nagara Vatta (Angkor Wat), hit the streets in 1936, published by the Buddhist Institute in Phnom Penh. Affiliated with cultural preservation efforts, it carried a mildly nationalistic tone, fostering Khmer identity amid French rule. This bi-weekly publication, printed in Khmer script, marked a pivotal moment: the birth of indigenous journalism. Earlier, French-language papers like L'Écho du Cambodge (Echo of Cambodia) catered to colonial elites, but Nagara Vatta democratized news for the masses, covering religion, society, and emerging politics.

Independence in 1953 under King Norodom Sihanouk ushered in a golden age. The 1960s saw a proliferation of dailies, with over 50 Khmer papers operating in Phnom Penh alone. Titles like Kampuchea Thmey (New Kampuchea) and Rasmei Kampuchea (Light of Kampuchea) thrived, blending reportage with serialized novels and poetry. Sihanouk's regime tolerated a free-ish press, but censorship loomed, especially after the 1967 Samlaut uprising, where rural discontent fueled critical editorials.

Catastrophe struck in 1970 with the Lon Nol coup, sparking civil war. Newspapers became battlegrounds: pro-government rags spewed propaganda, while underground sheets from Khmer Rouge sympathizers circulated covertly. By 1975, Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge seized power, erasing media entirely. In the "Year Zero" of Democratic Kampuchea, journalists were executed en masse—estimates suggest 80% of the pre-1975 press corps perished in the Killing Fields. No newspapers survived; literacy campaigns twisted words into ideological weapons, but independent ink dried up.

The Vietnamese invasion in 1979 revived state media under the People's Republic of Kampuchea. Kangtoap Padevat (Revolutionary Flag), the official organ, peddled socialist dogma. True revival dawned in the 1990s, post-Paris Peace Accords. The UN Transitional Authority (UNTAC) in 1992-1993 injected funds and training, birthing a free-press constitution. English-language pioneers like The Phnom Penh Post (1992) and The Cambodia Daily (1993) filled the void, training local reporters while shipping prints from Thailand due to absent infrastructure.

By 1995, over 100 Khmer dailies dotted the landscape, from pro-royalist Wat Phnom Daily to opposition-leaning Moneaksekar Khmer. Yet, violence shadowed progress: four journalists slain in the 1990s, including The Phnom Penh Post's editor arrested for Hun Sen critiques. Hun Sen's 1997 coup consolidated power, birthing partisan papers tied to factions like FUNCINPEC or the CPP.

The 2000s brought digital flickers, but print peaked mid-decade with 30+ dailies. Cracks appeared: the 2013 election crackdown shuttered outlets like Cambodge Soir. By 2017, a $6.3 million tax probe felled The Cambodia Daily, forcing it online-only. As of 2025, history echoes in a hybrid era—print fading, but legacies enduring. This evolution underscores journalism's role in Cambodia's identity: a phoenix rising from ashes, inked in resilience.

List of All Newspapers in Cambodia

Cambodia's print media, though shrinking, boasts diversity in language, ownership, and focus. According to the Ministry of Information, over 460 outlets are registered, spanning dailies, weeklies, and magazines. Here's an exhaustive catalog of major newspapers, drawn from reliable directories like Wikipedia and w3newspapers.com. This all newspapers in Cambodia list includes Khmer, English, and French titles, noting circulation where available (estimates from 2024-2025 data).

Khmer-Language Newspapers (Dominant in Local Markets)

• Koh Santepheap Daily (1967) - Sihanoukville-based, conservative, high circulation (~50,000 daily). Focus: National news, society.

• Rasmei Kampuchea Daily (1993) - Phnom Penh's "Light of Kampuchea," once a top seller (~100,000). Ceased print in 2019; digital remnant.

• Kampuchea Thmey Daily (2005) - Independent-leaning, urban focus (~40,000). Covers politics, economy.

• Deum Ampil News (2008) - Investigative bent, ~30,000 copies. Known for land-grab exposés.

• Moneaksekar Khmer (1996) - Opposition ties, ~25,000. Critical of government.

• Chakraval Daily (1990s) - Regional, Battambang-centric (~10,000).

• Kanychok Sangkhum (2000s) - Youth-oriented, ~15,000.

• Wat Phnom Daily (1990s) - Phnom Penh staple, pro-royalist (~20,000).

• Kangtoap Padevat (1979) - State mouthpiece, low circulation but official reach.

• Nokor Wat News (2010s) - Digital-heavy, breaking news (~online 100,000+ views).

English-Language Newspapers (International Appeal)

• The Phnom Penh Post (1992) - Oldest English daily, ~15,000 print (ending March 2025); digital surge.

• The Cambodia Daily (1993) - Investigative icon, print halted 2017; now digital non-profit (~200,000 online readers).

• Khmer Times (2011) - Nation Media Group, business-focused (~20,000 print; 1M+ digital).

French and Multilingual

• Cambodge Soir (1990s) - French-Khmer hybrid, defunct but archived.

• L'Écho du Cambodge (1930s) - Colonial relic, occasional reprints.

• CambodgeMag (Modern) - Niche French digital-print.

Other/Notable

• Voice of Khmer Youth (Youth weekly).

• Thmey Thmey (Daily, investigative).

• Fresh News (Pro-gov, high-traffic online).

• CamboJA News (Independent collective, digital).

This list evolves; many transitioned online amid print declines. Urban Phnom Penh dominates, with rural relays via weeklies. Ownership skews partisan—CPP-linked for many Khmer titles—yet independents persist, fueling debate on land rights and corruption.

Cambodia Most Popular Top 10 Newspapers

In 2025, popularity metrics blend print circulation, website traffic, and social shares. Khmer dailies lead domestically, English ones globally. Based on 2024-2025 data from Feedspot and MOM, here's the Cambodia most popular top 10 newspapers:

Rasmei Kampuchea Daily

• Rank#1
• Language: Khmer
• Founded: 1993
• Est. Reach (2025): 100,000+ digital
• Key Focus: National politics, society

Khmer Times

• Rank#2
• Language: English/Khmer
• Founded: 2011
• Est. Reach (2025): 1M+ online
• Key Focus: Business, ASEAN

The Phnom Penh Post

• Rank#3
• Language: English
• Founded: 1992
• Est. Reach (2025): 500,000 digital
• Key Focus: In-depth analysis

Koh Santepheap Daily

• Rank#4
• Language: Khmer
• Founded: 1967
• Est. Reach (2025): 50,000 print
• Key Focus: Regional news

The Cambodia Daily

• Rank#5
• Language: English/Khmer
• Founded: 1993
• Est. Reach (2025): 200,000 online
• Key Focus: Investigative

Kampuchea Thmey Daily

• Rank#6
• Language: Khmer
• Founded: 2005
• Est. Reach (2025): 40,000 print
• Key Focus: Economy, sports

Fresh News

• Rank#7
• Language: Khmer
• Founded: 2012
• Est. Reach (2025): 2M+ views
• Key Focus: Breaking, pro-gov

Deum Ampil News

• Rank#8
• Language: Khmer
• Founded: 2008
• Est. Reach (2025): 30,000 print
• Key Focus: Corruption probes

Moneaksekar Khmer

• Rank#9
• Language: Khmer
• Founded: 1996
• Est. Reach (2025): 25,000 print
• Key Focus: Opposition voice

Sabay News

• Rank#10
• Language: Khmer
• Founded: 2008
• Est. Reach (2025): 1.5M online
• Key Focus: Entertainment, youth

Khmer Times tops English charts for its ASEAN lens, while Rasmei Kampuchea commands Khmer loyalty despite print woes. These titans shape narratives, from border tensions to economic booms.

Cambodia Most Popular TV Channels

Television reigns supreme in Cambodia, reaching 96% of audiences—far outpacing print's 11%. In 2025, amid border flare-ups, channels deliver real-time visuals. Here's the most popular TV channels in Cambodia, per Kantar Media and Wikipedia rankings:

• CTN (Cambodian Television Network) - CBS-owned, #1 ratings since 2003. Entertainment powerhouse: soaps, dramas (~80% urban share).

• Bayon Television (TV27) - CPP-linked, nationwide UHF. News, variety; 24/7 since 2010s.

• TVK (National Television of Cambodia) - State broadcaster, VHF Channel 1. Official news, education; 17.5 hours daily.

• Channel 3 (Phnom Penh Municipality) - Urban focus, joint with KCS. Local programming, sports.

• TV5 (RCAF) - Military-backed, 17.5 hours. Patriotic content, border updates.

• Hang Meas HDTV - 24/7 entertainment, music videos.

• PNN TV - Phnom Penh News Network, largest studio. Politics, investigations.

• Apsara TV (TV11) - CPP ties, 4:30am-10pm. Cultural shows.

• MyTV - Youth channel (2009), modern genres.

• CTV 8 HD - First HD entertainment, nationwide.

Cable like PPCTV adds 100+ channels, including Thai dubs (post-2003 riots ban lifted selectively). TV's news draw: 57% of viewers. In 2025, amid Thai-Cambodia clashes, these outlets amplify national discourse.

Digitalization of Newspapers in Cambodia

The digitalization of newspapers in Cambodia accelerates, driven by 81% internet penetration and 13.8M users by 2022 (rising to 90% in 2025). Smartphones and cheap data shift habits: from print's urban elite to mobile masses.

Pioneers like The Cambodia Daily went digital-only in 2018 post-closure, funding via donations ($100K annual budget). The Phnom Penh Post followed, ending print March 2025 for low revenue, pivoting to videos and analysis. Khmer Times boasts 1M+ digital users, blending Khmer-English apps.

Challenges abound: Algorithms favor pro-gov content on Facebook (Cambodia's top platform). RSF notes internet as the "only reliable source," but blocks and cyber laws stifle. Success stories: Sabay News (1.5M views) uses social for youth engagement; CamboJA News trains ethical digital journalists.

Digital tools—SEO, podcasts—boost reach, but ad revenue lags print's patronage model. By 2025, 70% news via apps/social, per Fresh News trends. This shift empowers, but demands adaptation amid censorship.

Newspaper Future in Cambodia: Adaptation, Exile, and Hope

Peering into the newspaper future in Cambodia reveals a crossroads: extinction for laggards, reinvention for the bold. Print's decline—Phnom Penh Post, Rasmei Kampuchea closures—signals a global echo, but local politics amplify it.

Experts predict 80% digital by 2030, per Fresh News analysis. Challenges: Hun Sen-era crackdowns persist under Hun Manet, with defamation suits shuttering independents like VOD (2023). RSF warns of a "digital great wall," mimicking China. Yet, exile models thrive: The Cambodia Daily (DC-based) and VOD (Washington) beam back via VPNs/social.

Opportunities gleam in innovation. AI-driven personalization, blockchain for ad transparency, and CamboJA's ethics training could fortify resilience. Hybrid models—like Khmer Times' ASEAN focus—sustain via subscriptions. Rural broadband expansion (govt 2025 goal: 95% coverage) broadens access.

Politically, post-2023 elections, a Hun Manet thaw might ease pressures, but skepticism reigns. Optimists eye youth: 60% under 30, digital natives demanding accountability on climate, jobs. As one editor notes, "Exile isn't defeat—it's evolution."

Cambodia's press future? A phoenix in code, not paper—fiercer, if freer winds blow.

Inked in Progress