Brian Jeffrey
This morning, Party General Secretary To Lam, along with various current and former Party and State leaders, participated in a significant event commemorating the centenary of Vietnam’s revolutionary press.
In his commemorative speech, Mr. Nguyen Trong Nghia, Head of the Central Commission for Propaganda and Education, highlighted that this observance serves as a reminder of national pride and profound gratitude toward President Ho Chi Minh, the founder and mentor of generations of revolutionary journalists.
Nghia pointed out the significant evolution of Vietnam’s media landscape, including restructuring, workforce development, digital advancements, and journalistic approaches. He drew attention to journalism’s crucial role in identifying and uplifting exemplary figures, enriching public dialogue, and proactively shaping policies.
He commended the press for its fearless stance against corruption and negativity, its defense of the Party’s core principles, its protection of national sovereignty, and its enhancement of international communication.
“Reaching the centennial is not solely about expressing a proud legacy or revolutionary narratives but also about recognizing the current modern, trustworthy, and globally acknowledged media environment,” remarked Nghia.
During his keynote address, General Secretary To Lam reflected on the revolutionary beginnings of Vietnam’s press, tracing it from the first edition of Thanh Nien newspaper in 1925 to the present time. This publication marked the initiation of revolutionary journalism in Vietnam and was pivotal in founding the Communist Party of Vietnam in 1930.
He described the press as a steadfast companion to the nation over the century, established through intellect, spirit, sacrifice, and relentless endeavor. From handwritten reports in war zones to today’s AI-driven newsrooms, Vietnamese journalists have demonstrated valor, inventiveness, and unwavering commitment.
With nearly 800 media outlets and thousands of journalists, editors, and technical staff, Vietnam’s media landscape is embracing digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and innovative storytelling techniques to create content that is contemporary, humane, and resonant with the public.
He noted that the press is crucial for projecting Vietnam’s image on the global stage, highlighting the nation’s cultural identity, patriotism, and developmental aspirations in an age of global integration.
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Amidst the current global turbulence, Party Chief To Lam reaffirmed that the press is an essential force for maintaining political stability, social cohesion, and national defense. He acknowledged investigative journalism for revealing corruption, aiding law enforcement efforts, and restoring public trust.
“Journalism has emerged as a courageous sword of truth, safeguarding justice and combating falsehoods and malevolence,” he stated. The press plays a vital role in fostering national unity and aspirations towards building a solid, prosperous, and thriving Vietnam.
He urged journalists to uphold professionalism, political integrity, ethical standards, and a profound sense of mission. “Each journalist should be regarded as a noble social figure and a cultural representative,” he insisted.
Mr. To Lam encouraged the press to quickly adapt to the digital age, spearhead innovation, and assert their presence in global communication platforms. He reiterated: “The Party will always retain its essential weapon – the press, which must be cultivated with diligence.”
Lastly, he emphasized the importance of optimizing media operations for greater effectiveness and eliminating unethical or ideologically compromised individuals from the profession.
