Politburo member and Chairman of the PPC Commission for Communication and Education Nguyen Trong Nghia engages in a working session with the Vietnam Journalists’ Association on the occasion of Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day's 99th anniversary

Pivotal role and contribution of the press

The press in Vietnam has played a pivotal role in tandem with the nation's comprehensive development. Continuously advancing in both scale and caliber, Vietnam's revolutionary press has made remarkable strides. As of 2023, the country boasts six major multimedia agencies, 127 newspaper agencies, 671 magazine agencies, and 72 radio and television agencies. The press sector employs approximately 41,000 professionals, with over 20,500 individuals receiving journalist credentials during the 2021-2025 period. These figures underscore the unwavering commitment of the Party and State to guide and foster the growth and operation of the press.

Vietnam's revolutionary press stands as a cornerstone force in shaping ideological and cultural landscapes, making significant contributions to the Party's revolutionary objectives, national development and defense. It serves as a vital platform that not only reflects societal dynamics but also inspires the promotion of virtuous endeavors while confronting and combating negative influences.

Functioning as a reliable source of comprehensive, factual information across diverse facets of social and economic life, the press leverages an extensive network of reporters dispersed nationwide. This enables timely coverage and dissemination of pivotal events and issues of public interest. Continuously updated information empowers citizens with accurate insights into national, regional and global developments, facilitating informed perspectives and actions.

Through its articles, reports, and analyses, the press enhances public understanding of Party and State directives and policies, fostering a collective commitment to national progress. In doing so, it plays an integral role in cultivating a populace that is not only well-informed but also actively engaged in the advancement of a thriving nation.

Articles and reports published in newspapers and websites about Vietnam's culture, tourism, economy, and society have garnered global attention, effectively showcasing Vietnam's image to an international audience. The press serves as a crucial information conduit through which domestic businesses access opportunities for business and investment collaborations with international counterparts and organizations.

Moreover, the press plays a pivotal role in fostering a healthy business environment by actively combating corruption, inefficiency and negative practices. Through investigative journalism, the press exposes instances of legal infractions, ensuring swift accountability and contributing to the cultivation of a transparent business environment.

Editorial offices consistently dedicate specialized sections and columns to promoting kindness, uplifting lifestyles and highlighting impactful social initiatives rooted in humanitarian values. These efforts catalyze positive changes across various communities, nurturing a culture of compassion and admirable societal norms.

Additionally, the press assumes a critical role in the preservation and promotion of Vietnam's rich cultural heritage. Through insightful articles on cultural practices, history, and traditions, the press enhances public appreciation and awareness of the nation's cultural treasures. This serves to conscientiously safeguard and celebrate Vietnam's distinct cultural identity, ensuring its enduring legacy for future generations.

Journalists cover the National Party Congress

Toward sustainable development

As we embark on a new phase of development, we confront numerous risks and challenges amidst a rapidly evolving and increasingly complex global landscape. Domestically, despite the country's inherent potential and advantages, social and economic development has yet to fully align with expectations.

Moreover, socially and culturally, there persist several concerning trends and behaviors that undermine societal health. The erosion of political ideology, moral decline and instances of corruption among certain officials and Party members continue to pose obstacles that demand vigilant prevention and mitigation efforts.

In navigating these challenges, steadfast commitment to addressing them comprehensively is essential. It requires strategic foresight, rigorous enforcement of ethical standards, and concerted efforts to uphold and reinforce our foundational principles. Only through proactive measures can we effectively mitigate these challenges and pave the way for a resilient and prosperous future.

In a digital environment and digital society, there is still a lot of negative, falsified and malicious information that does not reflect the true nature of our country. Reactionary and hostile forces take advantage of the internet and social networks to spread negative, malicious, distorted and inciting information in order to cause political and ideological sabotage and undermine public trust in the Party and the State.

In the context of today's explosive development of information and communication technology, journalism is seeing both opportunities and challenges for better change. That requires press agencies and journalists to constantly innovate, regularly learn, grasp, update professional knowledge, and practice strong political courage to meet requirements and tasks.

The press needs to diversify its forms and types of press such as print press, electronic press, visual press, audio press and social network press, open more columns, increase interaction with readers, and focus on improving content quality and ensuring accuracy, objectivity and honesty.

In a congratulatory letter marking the 99th anniversary of Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925 - June 21, 2024), Mr. Le Quoc Minh, Deputy Director of the PCC’s Commission for Communication and Education, Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan Daily, and Chairman of the Vietnam Journalists Association, said: “The execution of Vietnam's revolutionary press's mission transcends mere existence for the press entity. It is an endeavor to convey the Party and State's message with accuracy, impartiality and universality to all citizens domestically and globally, steadfast in its political and social obligations. Upholding the fine tradition established, armed with robust political integrity, unambiguous ethical standards, and superior professional qualifications, I am confident that Vietnamese journalists will undoubtedly accomplish this mission.”

The press occupies a pivotal role in driving Vietnam’s socioeconomic development forward. To enhance its impact, it must continue to innovate and foster creativity, thereby meeting the growing demands of the populace and advancing the nation toward greater prosperity and civilization.