Brian Jeffrey
Role of the Press in Modern Society
Ta Van Ha, Vice Chair of the National Assembly’s Committee for Culture and Education, emphasized the crucial role of mainstream media in shaping public opinion. He pointed out that if traditional media fails to fulfill this role and social media takes over, it would indicate a failure in its mission.
Adapting to Digital Changes
In today’s fast-paced digital age, the press must evolve to keep up with technological advancements that are influencing every part of life.
“Technology is integral to journalism development. The Internet and rapid growth of digital platforms have transformed how people consume news,” Ha noted.
With a significant number of Vietnamese using smartphones, news consumption has expanded beyond traditional outlets, creating intense competition from social media platforms like Facebook and Google. Hence, a technological overhaul is essential for the press to thrive.
Need for Innovation
This transformation requires media organizations to modernize by incorporating information technology in their operations, thus producing journalism that is both accurate and engaging.
“A swift transformation is necessary to revolutionize how technology is used within the press,” Ha urged.
To maintain its influence in guiding public opinion and shaping cultural narratives, the press must adapt to technological advancements.
“If journalists ignore technology, they risk obsolescence. Embracing innovation is critical for the press to fulfill its responsibilities in society,” Ha explained.
Changing Reader Habits
Nguyen Quang Dong, Director of the Institute for Policy Studies and Media Development, noted that technology is reshaping how readers access news. Traditional newspapers have seen a decline in readership because they struggle to meet evolving consumer preferences. The shift from print to online media and a preference for brief articles are areas where the press has lagged.
“Technology alters how readers interact with news. Journalists must adapt by creating concise content that aligns with current audience needs,” Dong remarked.
Information is no longer just published by newspapers; anyone with a smartphone can now share news. Platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok have become popular avenues for distributing information.
The Impact of AI on Journalism
Emerging technologies, particularly AI, are streamlining journalistic processes. AI enables quicker content production and enhances efficiency. For example, where multiple people once worked on a TV report, now a single journalist with a smartphone can handle it.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Digital Era
Do Chi Nghia, a member of the National Assembly’s Committee for Culture and Education, acknowledged that the digital landscape presents challenges for the press, including the need for technological investment, combating misinformation, and adapting to new audience engagement strategies.
However, he believes that these challenges also bring opportunities for utilizing technology to increase efficiency and connect with readers more effectively.
Evidence suggests that technology can enhance the capabilities of the press, streamline processes, and provide better revenue opportunities, thereby meeting the needs of the audience.
By analyzing user behaviors, technology can help media organizations understand their readers better.
The Balance of Technology and Traditional Values
Nghia remarked that while technology is omnipresent, culture remains the foundation of journalism, and reporters and editors still serve as the primary conduits of information to the public.
Nevertheless, he cautioned that technology, while beneficial, also brings risks. The prevalence of fake news online poses dangers, particularly when the public turns away from reputable news sources.
Misuse of articles on fraudulent websites can undermine the hard work of journalists.
