The press plays a role in preserving the soul of heritage.

In the ongoing process of preserving and promoting the value of national cultural heritage, the press not only has the task of conveying information but also acts as a responsible "storyteller," contributing to the preservation of community memory...

When the press gets involved

From investigative reports on the deterioration of historical sites to news reports reflecting the commercialization of festivals, the press contributes to shaping public opinion and raising community awareness in heritage conservation.

The irregularities in the restoration of Chem communal house in Hanoi were promptly reported by the press, thereby preventing and reducing the risk of damage to the historical site.

Recently, the media's involvement in reporting on the improper restoration of the national historical site of Duom Temple in Phu Luong district ( Thai Nguyen province) has sparked a strong debate in society. Similarly, in the past, numerous violations occurred during the restoration of the special national historical site of Chem Temple (Hanoi), which were reported by the press. Following this, the authorities promptly intervened to address the issues.

However, in addition to reflecting negative aspects, the press also serves as a platform to honor individuals and organizations quietly preserving heritage. Elderly artisans who hold the essence of traditional crafts, and groups of young people passionate about traditional clothing and the restoration of traditional musical instruments, are featured in the press as a way of recognizing and encouraging positive actions within the community.

Dr. Pham Viet Long believes that the press has played and continues to play a core role in preserving and promoting cultural heritage. In print, online, radio, and television, numerous in-depth articles and reports have discovered, promoted, and honored the unique values ​​of heritage – both tangible and intangible. The press has also not hesitated to speak out against acts of infringement, commercialization, and distortion of heritage values.

"In addition, the press also accompanies the management agency in the process of preparing heritage dossiers to submit to UNESCO, organizing media events and public education campaigns, especially for the younger generation, thereby arousing pride and awareness of preserving national cultural identity," Mr. Long said.

Beyond simply reporting, the press also accompanies and promotes efforts to restore and promote heritage through diverse and creative forms. Many media outlets now have dedicated cultural sections and columns with regular frequency, delving into analysis and connecting researchers, artists, and heritage managers, thereby creating a public forum for exchange and suggestions for the preservation process.

According to Professor Dr. Tu Thi Loan (Vietnam National Institute of Culture and Arts), the press is an effective communication channel for conveying information about the historical, cultural, scientific, and aesthetic values ​​of various forms of cultural heritage (tangible and intangible) to a wide audience. Through articles, reports, and in-depth features, the press has contributed to raising public awareness of the importance of heritage preservation, thereby promoting a sense of responsibility and awareness of heritage conservation in society.

A bridge between heritage and modernity.

In the context of rapid digital transformation and globalization, cultural heritage is facing a great opportunity to spread its values, but also confronts many risks of commercialization, distortion, or disruption of traditional connections. At this time, the role of the press becomes even more crucial.

Professor Tu Thi Loan believes that, in order to continue playing its role in preserving and promoting cultural heritage in the digital age, the press needs to undergo a strong transformation, not only in terms of its transmission methods but also in its approach, content, and technology. When this is achieved, the press will become a sustainable bridge between past heritage and future generations.

According to Ms. Loan, the press needs to shift its content from "providing information" to "telling compelling stories." Instead of simply reporting news, the press should move towards creative storytelling, exploring the cultural and historical depth of heritage using accessible language and vivid, relatable narratives that are easy to understand and share. Along with this, it's necessary to diversify media platforms and leverage the power of social media and digital platforms. To more effectively reach young people, the primary information consumers through social media, the press needs to increase its presence on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts with short, visually appealing, and easily accessible content.

Simultaneously, it is necessary to enhance interaction and community engagement regarding heritage content. The press should not only "tell the public," but also create conditions for the public, especially young people, to "share the story and preserve" heritage together. We need to continue digitizing heritage archives; build open databases of images, articles, and videos; and link with digital libraries and online learning platforms… so that content goes beyond today's articles and becomes part of a "digital cultural treasure" for future generations.

Sharing the same view, Dr. Pham Viet Long believes that digital transformation requires journalism to innovate from content to form. To make heritage more accessible to the public, especially young people, journalism needs to utilize multiple platforms: from social media, short videos, podcasts to interactive formats such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).

“The press should tell compelling stories, evoke emotions, and create authentic, relatable digital experiences. In addition, it needs to collaborate with young content creators, artists, and researchers to refresh its approach while maintaining depth and accuracy. The press should not only bring heritage to the public, but also help the public – especially the younger generation – become companions and spread the value of heritage in modern life,” Mr. Long said.

Journalism - an extension of heritage

Cultural researcher Ngo Huong Giang believes that the press plays a crucial role in discovering new heritage sites/heritage clusters, disseminating traditional cultural values, and thereby suggesting recommendations (through interviews with experts/researchers) for heritage preservation.

Many newly discovered heritage sites/complexes, such as the "Banana Garden" cultural site or the Trinh Lords' tombs in Thanh Hoa, would have been severely eroded and degraded by nature and human activity without the involvement of the press. Without the dedication of passionate journalists, using their sharp pens to protect the spiritual and cultural values ​​of the Vietnamese people, many cultural works would have been forgotten or neglected by time, frozen in reality.

Theodaidoanket.vn

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/bao-chi-gop-phan-giu-hon-di-san-post403496.html