Conference highlights important role of mass media
The press plays an important role in influencing public opinion about major public issues, said delegates at a conference held on June 20 on the occasion of National Journalism Day (June 21).
Domestic and foreign journalists watch as soldiers march in celebration of Vietnam’s National Day in Hanoi (Photo:VNA)
Hanoi (VNA)🀅 – The press plays an important role in influencing public opinion about major public issues, said delegates at a conference held on June 20 on the occasion of National Journalism Day (June 21). But a report published at the conference also highlighted reporters’ difficulties in conveying information to readers.
Former deputy of the 12th National Assembly, Nguyen Minh Thuyet, said today’s readers demand hot news but also deeper reflection, requiring media to report news and events in a clearer and more diversified manner.
Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Van Hien Vietnam online magazine, Vu Xuan Ban, said the responsibility placed on journalists requires them to always be honest, objective and patient and to always make the interests of the country and the nation a top priority, he said.
However, journalists also face many difficulties in reporting news and events, according to a study released on June 20 by the Centre for Research on Development under the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations.
The independent study on factors affecting journalists’ work during the 2011-15 period found that the working environment of journalists has become more complicated with higher risks.
Journalists are prevented from publishing certain information and have been threatened or attacked at a growing rate over the past five years.
In March, journalist Do Doan Hoang from the Lao Dong (Labour) newspaper was attacked by three suspects while on duty and driving a motorbike near Kim Van-Kim Lu Residential Area in Hoang Mai District. He reported the incident to the district police immediately after it occurred. As an investigative journalist, his articles cast a spotlight on serious social issues, including wildlife trafficking.
Last November, two Giao Thong (Transport) newspaper reporters were attacked and their assets snatched while they were researching an investigative report on overloaded trucks carrying sand on roads in District 9 of HCM City.
In some cases journalists are unable to get access to information, and their work tools are seized or damaged to prevent them from publishing information.
Around 44 percent of 1,134 surveyed journalists said they were prevented from publishing information at least once, according to the study.
It revealed that journalists often face obstacles when reporting issues relating to social events, land management, environmental protection, investigations and prosecution.
Participants also noted that the National Assembly’s approval of the Law on Information Access was a great success in promoting transparency in Vietnam.
Editor-in-Chief of the Vietnam Audio Visual Magazine, Pham Bich San, stressed that many journalists still lack tools to report news and their stories reflect personal views rather than reality.-VNA
The press has made significant contribution to the success of the 12th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), newly-elected Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong said.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has urged the press and business circles to continue their companionship and mutual support for the common interest of the community, and for national development.
Researchers, scientists, managers and journalists stressed the press’s role in preserving and upholding tangible cultural heritages in Hanoi at a workshop on June 11.
Ninety two outstanding works by journalists throughout the country, winners of the National Press Awards 2015, will be given prizes on the 91st Vietnamese Revolutionary Journalism Day (June 21).
The programmes have brought about positive changes to rural infrastructure, comprehensively improved the material and spiritual lives of farmers, and contributed to Vietnam's economic restructuring, said PM Pham Minh Chinh.
The festival highlighted the contributions and robust development of Vietnam's revolutionary press over the past century while promoting press products and showcasing the creativity of Vietnamese journalists.
The programme on sustainable poverty reduction has achieved its annual targets for reducing the poverty rate as assigned by the National Assembly and the Government. It has fulfilled five specific objectives and five five-year goals, and met nine out of 12 indicators related to addressing basic social service shortages.
UNICEF stands ready to support the Government in implementing this important law and in continuing to invest in teachers as the cornerstone of a resilient, inclusive, and high-quality education system for all children.
PM Pham Minh Chinh highlighted how Vietnam's revolutionary press has continuously evolved and strengthened over the past century, affirming its role as a sharp and vital political, cultural, and ideological weapon serving the Fatherland and the people in the glorious revolutionary cause of the Party.
Vietnamese Consul General in Fukuoka Vu Chi Mai highlighted the growing demand for Vietnamese workers in Kyushu, especially in Fukuoka, Oita, and Saga prefectures. Currently, the region employs about 35,000 Vietnamese manual workers and over 5,000 IT engineers.
In Vietnam’s case, she said, President Ho Chi Minh demonstrated his strategic vision by founding the revolutionary press a century ago. The late leader understood the press's role not only as a means to reflect the country’s realities but also as a powerful tool to strengthen national unity and inspire the resistance wars and national construction process.
In recent interviews granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s reporters in Mexico, prominent figures reflected on the press’s legacy and its global influence.
VietnamPlus e-newspaper of the VNA clinched an A prize in the “Outstanding Press Product” category for its immersive 3D multimedia project, “Epic of Reunification,” a groundbreaking blend of storytelling and technology. The VNA won another A prize for its eye-catching exhibition booth.
Today, the press for foreign service has evolved into a distinct, irreplaceable force, bridging Vietnam with the world and portraying a nation that is stable, peace-loving, and fully integrated into the international community.
At a review conference held on June 21, Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Van Sinh praised the province’s scientific, coordinated, and flexible approach. He noted that the early completion reflects the strong commitment of local authorities, the business community, philanthropists, and residents in improving housing conditions for disadvantaged groups.
The VNA delegation, led by General Director Vu Viet Trang, actively participated in the event, engaging in both professional and diplomatic activities.
In the context where AI dominates and produces vast volumes of content, the only sustainable path forward for journalism is to focus on high-quality content and core values. Journalism must redefine its mission - not to report the fastest, but to provide the most profound and trustworthy value.
Granma and the VNA have great potential for cooperation, especially in sharing content regularly, so that VNA products are published on Granma platforms and vice versa, thereby helping Cuban and Vietnamese people access true information and gain a deep understanding of each other's country and people.
During his stay in China’s Guangzhou city from 1924 to 1927 to prepare for the establishment of a Communist Party to lead Vietnam’s revolution, President Ho Chi Minh founded “Thanh nien” newspaper and released its first issue on June 21, 1925.
Vietnam and Cambodia are hoped to strengthen their robust collaboration across various sectors, particularly in resolving remaining border issues to transform the border area into a zone of peace, friendship, cooperation, and development.
The strategic product, managed and operated by the Vietnam News Agency Digital Media Centre (VNA Media), is an official channel for popularising the Party and State’s information and documents as well as delivering mainstream and trustworthy news to both domestic and international audiences through various kinds of multimedia formats.
Since President Ho Chi Minh founded Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, the Vietnamese revolutionary press has become the voice of the people. During the resistance war against the colonialists, journalists took great personal risks to inspire patriotism and the will of rising up against foreign invaders.
The total investment exceeded 319 billion VND (12.2 million USD), including over 261 billion VND from the state budget and 57.5 billion VND mobilised from businesses, organisations, and individuals.
Domestic and foreign journalists watch as soldiers march in celebration of Vietnam’s National Day in Hanoi (Photo:VNA)
