Women's Media Center

Women’s Media Center (WMC) is a non-governmental and non-profit organization, that was founded and registered in 1995. It was created by a coalition of five women to promote and empower Cambodian women. The key driver was today’s Executive Director, Chea Sundaneth, that gathered four Cambodian women with different expertise around her (see Management Board).

WMC’s TV and radio programs on Gender equality issues were aired via different relay stations. In 1998, they applied for their own license and got it one year later. The licensing process was smooth: as former governmental staff members, Sundaneth and Saraveth had good relations to the Ministry of Information, the Minister approved the mission and vision to empower women, and – unlike today - the contest for radio licenses was low.

WMC claims to be independent. Economically, the radio is financed 20% by international donors, and is 80% slef-funded by renting out airspace (to peer NGOs, VOA, RFI), selling content, and developing NGO programs. Advertising space is not sold to controversial companies in beverage, cosmetic, and tobacco sectors. WMC also does not broadcast any content provided by political actors. However, as a non-profit-organization, WMC does not have to meet market conditions and generate profit to survive.