(VOVWORLD) - For 80 years, the Voice of Vietnam (VOV) has journeyed alongside the nation. As a witness to history, it now steps into a new era—radio in the digital age—shaped by advanced technology and the rising expectations of listeners. VOV is undergoing a sweeping transformation, from leadership mindset to production models, from technological platforms to content strategy.
 "Born in 1945" podcast series: Radio in digital age (Photo: VOV2) |
In the digital era, radio is evolving ceaselessly with the support of technology. AI is just one part of this evolution. In this new era, VOV is taking a fresh approach with a sharper focus on audience demand.
For VOV, this is a transformation in technology, mindset, production, and outreach. Radio is becoming a smarter, more flexible platform that keeps pace with the new digital rhythm of life. VOV broadcasters call it “radio in the rising era.”
Nguyen Nang Khang, Deputy Director of VOV’s Program Production and Archive Center, says VOV began its digitization quite early. “As early as 2004, we began transferring all radio programs onto computer networks. Today, all production is digital. We’re now working on management transformation, new modes of operation, and bringing our programs to platforms like the internet, social media, and mobile devices,” Khang recalls.
One milestone was the digitization of VOV’s archives, which hold hundreds of thousands of hours of historic audio. Vu Quynh Hoa, a data entry and audio digitization staff member at the Center, said, “Some archive tapes are old or damaged when we digitize them. We have to carefully restore them physically using strictly controlled procedures.”
 VOV Vice President Dr. Vu Hai Quang |
With digitization, VOV has radically changed its content production. Studios are now multimedia hubs. According to VOV Vice President Dr. Vu Hai Quang, “In the studio, journalists can record audio, shoot video, and livestream simultaneously—broadcasting on traditional radio and, at the same time, on YouTube, Facebook, and other social media apps. A news bulletin can now reach millions within minutes and remain available anytime, anywhere.”
This transformation has reshaped the role of radio journalists, who are no longer just voices behind the mic, but multi-tasking storytellers using sound, visuals, and data to tell their story. Hang Nga, Head of Current Affairs at VOV1, said, “With digital radio, we have to tell stories our audience wants to hear in ways that keep them engaged. A warm voice is no longer enough. We need creative elements to hold their attention and keep them listening.”
VOV’s reporters are adapting quickly. Ngo Duc, a reporter in VOV2’s Culture–Society–Ethnic Affairs Department, said that he started as a radio reporter with just a small portable recorder. “But now, with a compact backpack of tools, I can confidently produce video, audio, and livestreams—meeting the public’s demand for content they can watch as well as listen to,” said Duc.
 Technological changes are reshaping the role of radio journalists. (Photo: VOV) |
Technology infrastructure is a critical pillar of radio’s digital leap. According to Dr. Vu Hai Quang, VOV’s systems are going far beyond traditional broadcasting. “Traditional radio only required good sound and stable transmission. But livestreaming video on YouTube or producing content for TikTok requires real-time processing of audio, video, graphics, and user data. The workflow must be fast, seamless, and flawless because if delivery is delayed, the audience moves on.”
The Government’s decision to entrust VOV with building the national digital radio platform is strong recognition of VOV’s central role in Vietnam’s media ecosystem. In this new era, even as radio takes on new forms, it continues to fulfill its original mission: to be Vietnam’s voice of trust, connection, and companionship at every moment.