Lesson 2: Keeping the Passion for the Profession Alive

Lesson 1: Responsibility and Mission

Following the historic merger and the establishment of a two-tiered local government system, the scope of work has broadened, job demands have increased, and pressure has weighed more heavily on journalists. Amidst this constant change, the soldiers on the ideological front have quietly continued their journeys, persistently staying close to the grassroots, acting as an extended arm connecting the Party's will with the people's aspirations.

In June, as the whole country commemorates the 101st anniversary of Vietnam's Revolutionary Press Day, the team of journalists at Dong Thap Newspaper and Radio and Television is entering a new phase.

VENTURE INTO THE "HOT SPOT"

Journalism has never been a profession for those seeking ease or being confined to office hours.

Reporters working at the scene.

As the city lights begin to dim – a time when many people prepare to return home to reunite with their families for meals – for field journalists covering the "Hotline" segment like Nguyen Huynh Bao Ngoc (News and Special Features Department), it's already the start of a new journey.

Having been in the profession for over 10 years and possessing multitasking skills – being able to both edit and film independently – reporter Bao Ngoc is accustomed to the arduous task of working alone.

When it comes to traffic safety and crime prevention, Bao Ngoc still vividly remembers the sleepless nights she spent following law enforcement officers on patrol from 10 PM the previous night until 2 or 3 AM the following morning.

There were times when, just as the patrol team finished and were about to breathe a sigh of relief on their way back, a traffic accident would unexpectedly occur. Without a moment's hesitation, Bao Ngoc immediately returned to the scene, staying with the police officers until dawn.

For Bao Ngoc, the greatest reward after sleepless nights is not prestigious awards, but the early morning phone calls from residents informing her that the dilapidated road has been repaired, the wrongly collected money has been refunded, or clean water has finally reached the impoverished residential area.

These simple moments prove one thing: no matter how vast the area, if reporters are willing to get involved and put their hearts into the grassroots, journalism will always be a strong bridge connecting the Party's will with the people's hearts.

Reporters working at the scene.

Working alongside reporters and journalists on the scene for every step of the way, we cannot fail to mention those who carry the mission of "telling stories through images" - the television camera crew.

Having spent many years behind the camera in hot spots and now holding a managerial role, journalist Tran Thanh Liem deeply understands the pressures of the profession in the context of a converged newsroom.

Journalist Tran Thanh Liem, Deputy Head of the Science, Education and Entertainment Department, shared: “Previously, the pressure on cameramen was to be present on time and film with the correct technique. But now, the digital age demands that they be versatile: knowing how to edit, transmit data quickly, produce multi-platform content, and master new technologies to avoid falling behind.”

Despite the explosion of smartphones, journalist Thanh Liem still places complete faith in the value of professional video journalists. "Modern equipment cannot replace the mindset of the person behind the camera; the value of a journalist lies in their professional thinking, on-location skills, and professional ethics," Thanh Liem shared.

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KEEP A COOL HEAD IN THE FACE OF THE DIGITAL WAVES

If the field tests the courage of those who venture out into the world, then the explosion of technology and social media tests the cool head of news journalists.

Journalists working in the Spratly Islands.

When an event occurs, within minutes the internet is flooded with diverse streams of information, even including unverified, negative rumors that disrupt public opinion. In the face of such a wave, mainstream media cannot afford to be slow.

Reporter Duong Van Ut (Print and Online News Department), a person with many years of experience working closely at the grassroots level, deeply understands this pressure. He confided: "The merger requires every journalist to change their mindset towards 'flexibility, adaptability, and convergence'."

The current challenge is to ensure that information is disseminated evenly and comprehensively across all new localities, accurately reflecting the spirit of synchronized administrative reform.”

In the fierce competition for speed, journalist Duong Van Ut and his colleagues chose a steadfast path: Fast but accurate, timely but precise, multifaceted but not deviating from the established direction.

To "retain" readers in the digital age, he reinvents himself by applying technology to diversify his presentation formats, from megastories and podcasts to short videos .

However, the core values ​​of a Party newspaper lie in its credibility and depth. With a comprehensive, holistic, and humane perspective, news journalists dispel conflicting opinions and bring people from different geographical regions closer together.

Alongside the front lines of breaking news stories, there is a silent front that journalists must persistently defend – the ideological front.

With kindness and sharp pens, every reporter, editor, and technician at Dong Thap Newspaper and Radio & Television today is overcoming all difficulties to fulfill the sacred mission entrusted to them by the Party and the People.

Amidst the relentless flow of time, these dedicated individuals continue their journey, keeping the flame of their profession burning brightly, accompanying a new Dong Thap – one that is larger, more open-minded, and more complete.

Particularly in the context of the streamlining of the administrative apparatus and the operation of the two-tiered local government model, which are creating profound changes in social life, the press plays an increasingly important role in providing accurate information, helping officials, Party members, and the people to correctly understand, support, and share the major policies of the country.

In our conversation with reporter Le Nguyen Thuy Trang (Print and Online News Department), we clearly sensed the professional struggles and anxieties of a young journalist.

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Many people still think that writing about Party building is a dry, theoretical topic that is difficult for readers to access. However, through the articles of reporter Thuy Trang, the viewpoints, policies, and resolutions of the Party, the laws and policies of the State, and historical stories are brought to life with the breath of real life, through concrete changes in each locality, each agency and unit; through an effective operational model, a new approach that brings positive changes in the lives of the people.

Sharing her thoughts on her work, reporter Thuy Trang said: “I think the job of a reporter requires staying close to reality and bringing the breath of life into every page. When you find real stories and real people, the articles will be more persuasive.”

In the context of diverse information on social media, where inaccurate information and biased perspectives sometimes appear, journalists need to remain calm, objective, and responsible.

Instead of engaging in emotional debates, we choose to reflect the truth through evidence from real-life situations, compelling stories, and verified information, thereby building trust among the public.”

For the current generation of provincial journalists, the scope of their work may be wider, and the pressure from technology and public opinion may be heavier, but one thing will never change: political integrity, love for the profession, and faith in the mission of a journalist.

THU HOAI - MY LY - NGOC AN
(to be continued)

Source: https://baodongthap.vn/bai-2-giu-lua-nghe-a242128.html