Vietnamese revolutionary press through a century

The history of Vietnamese journalism is closely linked to the historical milestones of the nation. The stages of revolutionary journalism have made significant contributions to the struggle for national liberation as well as to the cause of building and defending the Fatherland, innovation and international integration.

1925 - 1945: Revolutionary press against colonialism

The Vietnamese press began to take shape in the late 19th century. However, the biggest milestone was June 21, 1925, when Thanh Nien Newspaper, founded by leader Nguyen Ai Quoc, was born in Guangzhou (China). This was the newspaper that opened the revolutionary press of Vietnam , actively spreading Marxism-Leninism in Vietnam .

The period 1930 - 1945 saw the emergence of a new press: revolutionary press, anti-colonialism, paving the way for liberation for our people, our nation in terms of ideology and political consciousness, moving towards national and social liberation.

Some newspapers were born in the period 1925 - 1945

Photo: Document

Many revolutionary newspapers were born, actively propagating the Party's revolutionary line, accompanying events and movements of national liberation struggles such as: Hammer and Sickle, Red, Struggle, Proletarian Flag, Independent Vietnam, National Salvation, Liberation Flag ...

The press during this period became a sharp and effective weapon, contributing greatly to the August Revolution and promoting the country's development process.

1945 - 1954: Press of the resistance war against France

After the Democratic Republic of Vietnam was born (September 2, 1945), the revolutionary press entered a new page. This was a short period in the history of the country's press, but the press affirmed its role in the resistance life, contributing to portraying the appearance and position of the young Democratic Republic of Vietnam on the world map. Many large press agencies were born such as: Voice of Vietnam , Vietnam News Agency, Nhan Dan Newspaper, Communist Magazine, People's Army Newspaper...

Some sketches and slogans encouraging people to vote published in the National Assembly Newspaper, 1946

Photo: Document

On June 2, 1950, the Vietnam Journalists Association (now the Vietnam Journalists Association) was established. In July 1950, the International Organization of Journalists (OIJ) meeting in Finland recognized the Vietnam Journalists Association as an official member of the organization.

News from the front and influential articles encouraged the spirit of soldiers and people. The press contributed to the historic victory of Dien Bien Phu and the success of the resistance war against the French.

1945 - 1954: Journalism in the resistance war against America to save the country

During this period, the press had two parts: the revolutionary press in the North and the revolutionary press in the South. The Northern press was still published regularly despite many difficulties due to the consequences of the destructive wars of the US. The revolutionary press in the South developed in the extremely difficult circumstances of war and the terror and repression of the Saigon government. Both press parts were under the leadership of the Party and aimed at a common goal of completely liberating the South and unifying the country.

Decree No. 100 SL/L002 issued on May 20, 1957 marked a new development step of revolutionary journalism.

Photo: Document

In particular, Decree No. 100 SL/L002 issued on May 20, 1957 marked a new development step of the revolutionary press. It was the first press law in our country, creating a legal corridor for the press to serve the cause of building socialism in the North and the struggle for national reunification.

In the North, a system of local Party newspapers was formed. In 1970, Vietnam Television conducted a trial broadcast, marking the birth of a new type of journalism called "television".

In the South, the Southern People's Newspaper, Liberation News Agency, Liberation Radio , Saigon Liberation Newspaper... were born, promoting their strength and contributing worthily to the common victory of the whole nation on the historic day of April 30, 1975.

1975 - 1986: Journalism during the subsidy period

After the liberation of the South, the press unified organizationally and took the name Vietnam Journalists Association, raising the status of Vietnamese journalism during this period to a new level.

The press system has developed richly, including specialized newspapers and newspapers for various subjects. In particular, in Ho Chi Minh City and the southern provinces, a series of new newspapers have appeared. The press has become a shock weapon on the front of fighting negativity and is also a place to build new economic models. The voice of the press during this period has great significance in the country's renewal requirements.

During this period, the press grew in quantity and variety. From more than 130 newspapers in 1975 to 241 in 1986, showing an average growth of more than 6 newspapers per year.

In 1985, at the request of the Vietnam Journalists Association, the Party Central Committee Secretariat decided to choose June 21 - the date of the first publication of Thanh Nien Newspaper, as Vietnam Press Day. This is a recognition of the role of the press in the revolutionary cause.

However, the press during this period was still subsidized, mainly distributed by organizations, with little competition and lack of investment in quality and form.

From 1986 to present: Modern journalism and integration

Since 1986, along with the renovation and the abolition of subsidies, the press has entered a period of strong development. This is the time when the Vietnamese press began to approach modern journalism. The Press Law issued in 1990, although brief (only 31 articles), affirmed that the press is a forum for the people, the press is not censored before printing or broadcasting. The State creates conditions for citizens to exercise their right to freedom of the press, freedom of speech in the press and to properly promote their role. For the first time, the Vietnam Journalists Association has its rights and obligations recognized by law.

On June 21, 2000, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Vietnam Press Day, at the proposal of the Vietnam Journalists Association, the Politburo and the Party Central Committee agreed to call Vietnam Press Day Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day.

Over time, the press has become more and more modern, from print, radio, television to electronic newspapers, which have developed in both quality and quantity. By the end of 2024, the country had 884 press agencies, including 137 newspapers, 675 magazines and 72 radio and television stations. The number of people working in the press sector is about 41,000, of which 21,000 are granted press cards.

Throughout 100 years of development, the Vietnamese revolutionary press has always been a core force on the ideological and cultural front. The press is not only a means of information, but also a tool to protect the regime, promote patriotic movements, maintain political stability and strengthen people's trust in the leadership of the Party and State. In addition, the press also promptly reflects people's aspirations, discovers good people - good deeds, and fights against negativity and corruption.

Entering a new era, Vietnamese journalism is transforming to adapt to technological trends, international integration, and moving towards more professional, humane, and modern journalism.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bao-chi-cach-mang-viet-nam-qua-1-the-ky-185250617000732188.htm