The Latest News of Cambodian Film Stars

Unlike before 1975 when there was only one Khmer TV station in Cambodia and working for a TV station as a host or producer was limited to only a few individuals, now there are many TV and radio stations - both private and government owned. This has created a whole new media industry for Cambodian people not only to find a job but also to build a career. Being a successful TV host or producer can be seen as a highly regarded professional in Khmer society similar to being a famous movie star or professional singer. While there are many TV hosts who are just hopping around from one station to another or from one job to another, Pho Sophanith is a truly professional TV host and producer who has been very well-known to be one of the greatest.

If you don’t know who Pho Sophanith is or who we are talking about, perhaps you have not heard of a sweet and handsome gentleman from Battambang province and please read on. People think he is sweet talking, but to me he is not just a regular sweet talking guy. He is handsome, polite, intelligent, well-educated, hard-working, articulating and yes he speaks sweetly. Pho Sophanith is one of a few news anchors and hosts who speak eloquently with the least grammatical errors in a live TV program. With more than 15 years of experience in the field, Pho Sophanith has earned great respects from his audience, co-workers, peers and Khmer communities throughout the world. He is truly an icon of what defines a great TV host. As such we decided to profile Pho Sophanith for Angkorthom.US. He is the third host added to Angkorthom.US together with Yok Chinda and Kieu Sansana.

Pho Sophanith was born in Battambang in 1977. His father’s is Mr. Pho Morn. He is a governmental official and his mother is a house wife. Pho Sophanith is the eldest child in the family. He has 2 sisters who are now married and live in USA and 2 other brothers. When he was young, he was educated in Battambang. He then moved to Phnom Penh to pursue his higher education. Because he had no relatives in Phnom Penh, he had to stay at a Wat (Buddhist temple) when he first came to the City. Because he needed money to fund his education and his living, he had to find work. It was a coincidence when TV3 was hiring. So he applied for a job with them.

Going through a tough competition with other candidates and screening, Pho Sophanith was hired as a TV host with TV3 in 1993. It was initially just a job for him to earn money to support his study but into the years he became more and more proficient and effective to a point he decided to stay with TV3 for 10 years! Working for TV3 gave him a whole new career arena. Though it was not what he first came to Phnom Penh for, it was a great success for him. He gained tremendous experience in hosting, producing, coordinating and managing a radio and TV program.

With great confidence and experience in media management, Pho Sophanith then created a media production house to coordinate and produce TV and radio programs, shows and concerts. He sometimes coordinated a TV program that was aired by 2 or 3 TV stations. It was also a great success. After working for TV3 for almost 10 years, he then worked for TV9 for a year as a host and producer. He then began working for CTN until today. Working for CTN marked another great milestone for his career endeavor. His popularity went up to the top because he is not only seen everyday by people in Cambodia but also people in USA and other counties where CTN is available. Each day he is invited to Khmer people’s house around the world for news and entertainment. For the last two years with CTN, Pho Sophanith has been trusted by CTN management and given the opportunities to host and manage important shows such as Ratrey Komsan, Super Boy and Girl, News, Wat Aram, etc.

At the time this article was being written, he is working on another important show to preserve Khmer traditional music heritage called Morodok Dounta. During the interview, he mentioned that it was also his plan to create another show for Khmer traditional music fans to request a song similar to the current Song Request program by Mr. Ith Sitha. Besides working for TV stations such as TV3, TV9 and CTN, Pho Sophanith also worked for music production companies such as Angkorwat, Rasmey Hang Meas and Reymeas. During Reymeas Production 100th DVD Celebration, Pho Sophanith was invited by Reymeas Production Manager to host the show. It was to everybody’s surprise, he managed to record two songs with Khiev Sansana.

Looking back, he told Angkorthom.US during his phone interview that he originally did not plan to have a career in the media industry as a TV host/producer like today. It was by accident because of his first job landed him on a job in the field, and it opened up and paved his way for a career. He mentioned that he wanted to be a lawyer as he liked to help people find justice. Since he is now too deep in field, he said his future goal now is to hold a management position for a TV Station such as CTN.

Undeniably, Pho Sophonith is one of the distinguished TV hosts/producers in Cambodia and overseas for Khmer society. Though he has not gone to visit counties like France, Australia or USA, people there know him very well and see him everyday via CTN. In addition to his formal education in school, he also has great general knowledge about the world and that is reflected in his choices of word each time he speaks. Pho Sophanith is a great role model who works hard and has earned his reputation and popularity. Among many, Pho Sophanith is one of a few best TV news announcers who can speak eloquently and he also soft spoken, giving him the title of Pithi Kor Somdey Pha-Em.

On a personal level, Pho Sophanith is humble, friendly, pleasant, entertaining and polite. He is well-liked by everybody who has a chance to meet him. He would make you feel comfortable the first time you talk to him and that is not to mention he can entertain too. When asked about his marriage and family, Pho Sophanith said he is now in the right age to get married. As soon as he can find a girl, he would get married. However right now, he said his heart is still available to any girl who can love and care of him and his family.

So now, you know who Pho Sophanith is and why he is such as a great Khmer role model and a TV host. Next time when you watch CTN, you’ll see what we meant. Personally, we are lucky to meet him by accident at CTN studio in 2008. That was a great opportunity to know more about him and became his friend. We hope to see him again in the future. On behalf of our members, Angkorthom.US would like to wish him the best luck for his career endeavor, future marriage and prosperity.

Note: This Profile is copy righted to Angkorthom.US Community. Don't copy or take any part of the profile without permission.