(VOVWORLD) - The Youth newspaper, founded by leader Nguyen Ai Quoc, published its first issue on June 21st, 1925, marking the birth of revolutionary press in Vietnam. For nearly a century, generations of journalists have made important contributions to Vietnam’s struggle for independence, defense, construction, and development.
 National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue addresses the first Dien Hong National Press Awards for the National Assembly and People’s Councils on June 9th, 2023. (photo: VNA) |
Vietnam has more than 800 press agencies with a total of 42,000 people working in the journalism sector. As a pioneer on the ideological and cultural fronts, Vietnam’s revolutionary journalism has steadily grown and contributed greatly to the nation.
Revolutionary press accompanies the nation
During the struggle for national independence and reunification, many journalists risked their lives to cover stories first-hand from the battlefields. Some of them laid down their lives, becoming role models of responsibility and patriotism.
During national construction, the press has covered the efforts of the Vietnamese Party, people, and army to achieve national growth targets and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The press keeps people informed and enhances their trust in the Party and State's fight against corruption and negativity.
Three years ago, when the world was struggling against the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam’s press contributed to reinforcing public consensus, and encouraged sharing and empathy. The press brings the Party and State’s policies to life and reflects reality.
At the first Dien Hong National Press Awards for the National Assembly and People’s Councils on June 9th, National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue said: “The press actively, comprehensively, and promptly cover the Party's guidelines, which have been institutionalized by the National Assembly and the People's Councils through policies and movements. The press truthfully and vividly reflects the legitimate aspirations of sectors, social strata, and Vietnamese people living inside and outside the country. Generations of reporters and editors have always accompanied the nation and passionately devoted themselves to their work.”
Adapting to the times
Press agencies are gradually shifting to new media to meet the public demand for information. Under the strategy "Digital transformation in journalism to 2025, with a vision to 2030" approved by the Prime Minister in April, by 2030, 100% of press agencies will post content on digital platforms, 90% of press agencies will use centralized data processing and analysis platforms and use AI to optimize their operations, and 100% of press agencies will operate on a “converged newsroom” model.
This strategy shows a determination to catch up with global trends and meet the requirements of being a powerful nation with growing international status and influence.
 Le Quoc Minh, President of the Vietnam Journalists’ Association and Editor-in-chief of Nhan Dan newspaper (photo: dangcongsan.vn) |
Le Quoc Minh, President of the Vietnam Journalists’ Association and Editor-in-chief of Nhan Dan newspaper, says that many news agencies have digitally transformed.
“Multi-media and multi-platform content is being displayed clearly and vividly with text, photos, and graphics. Data journalism is becoming more professional. Press agencies have combined different platforms to creatively present their stories.”
Pham Manh Hung, Vice President of the Voice of Vietnam, says VOV has transformed to serve the "digital public".
“The digital environment and digital journalistic products create advantages for development. Many departments and agencies of VOV have caught up with the trend to go digital. In addition to two online newspapers, the VTC has VTCNow platform to deliver TV programs. We also have VOVmedia, VOV Live, and some other platforms to stream radio channels,” Mr. Hung said.
Over the past 98 years, Vietnam’s revolutionary press has grown steadily, so has its role, contributing significantly to national development and international integration.