The press is seizing the opportunity of digital transformation.

The digital space is changing how people access information, so journalism is also focusing on digital transformation to seize opportunities arising from changes in how content is produced and distributed.

New access opportunities

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thanh Loi, a member of the Executive Committee of the Vietnam Journalists Association and Editor-in-Chief of the Economic and Urban Newspaper, stated that Vietnamese media outlets are facing the risk of large-scale cyberattacks; the impact of social media due to fake and unverified information; the increasing trend of personalization in information consumption; and the changing role and position of the public, from passive to active, both as consumers of media products and participants in the information transmission process.

MCZi, an AI application from HTV, interacts with viewers in the digital environment.

Furthermore, the rapid development of multimedia journalism and social media platforms such as websites and social networks (Facebook, Zalo, Twitter, YouTube, etc.) has created fierce competition for journalistic activities. The trend of forming multimedia media organizations is becoming increasingly common, necessitating digital transformation within these organizations. In particular, the demand for fast and accurate information from readers requires journalism to innovate in technology and organizational structure.

In the aforementioned context, the Hanoi People's Committee assigned the Economic & Urban Newspaper to pilot a typical digital transformation model in management and operation, applying technological solutions such as AI, chatbots, virtual reality, etc. Since October 2024, the newspaper has implemented a converged newsroom model and digital ecosystem, focusing on developing its own CMS system, integrating print newspapers, online newspapers, online special pages, and the digital ecosystem... on a single interface, with login via a single account, supporting multiple languages, multiple formats, and flexible customization... This transformation has contributed to increasing advertising revenue on the newspaper's publications by 20-50% per year.

Meanwhile, Nhan Dan Newspaper has adopted a new approach, combining traditional elements and digital technology to enhance the reader experience. On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory, the newspaper organized an interactive Panorama art exhibition, and more recently, an interactive exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification. Mr. Le Quoc Minh, Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan Newspaper, Deputy Head of the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department, and President of the Vietnam Journalists Association, affirmed that Nhan Dan Newspaper is following the trend of combining tradition and digital platforms to generate a large viewership. For example, for the program commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South, the newspaper published a special edition connecting the Ho Chi Minh Campaign with videos and clips using augmented reality technology. During the 12-day exhibition in Hanoi and other localities, 50,000 copies were printed, yet still not enough to meet the demand from readers.

The editorial office adapts itself.

Adapting to digital transformation is also being implemented by media organizations. Ho Chi Minh City Television (HTV) has applied artificial intelligence (AI) to all its production processes. Following a pilot program two years ago on creating news reports entirely using AI, the use of AI is now a mandatory skill for HTV reporters.

“HTV’s policy is to meet the demand for fast information and distribution on social media platforms. Reporters are required to have skills in filming, editing, and completing reports directly on mobile devices. For example, a weather report that previously required three people to work for half a day now only needs one person in 30 minutes…,” said Mr. Ngo Truong Thinh, Head of the Multimedia Department, HTV.

Journalist Dao Dinh Khoa, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Bac Ninh Newspaper, also shared: “AI is reshaping the journalism industry through production automation, content personalization, and expanded data analysis capabilities. Recognizing this trend, the Provincial Journalists Association has organized many specialized training programs on AI in journalism. To date, reporters at the provincial newspaper are basically using AI as a virtual assistant in the news production process.”

According to statistics from the Press Department (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism), by the end of 2024, most radio and television stations had implemented the production of short-form video content and multi-platform clips using a fast-paced, concise model; over 80% of newsrooms had applied technology platforms such as CMS, AI, and data analytics to their content production and distribution processes. Digital transformation is identified as a strategic pillar for restructuring the media ecosystem. The press is shifting from the role of news providers to the role of content creators.

Regarding this issue, according to Mr. Tran Minh Tuan, Director of the Department of Digital Economy and Society (Ministry of Science and Technology), “Resolution 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation has clearly stated: Significant resources will be allocated to activities applying new technologies and digital transformation. This is an opportunity for media agencies to effectively utilize and invest. In recent times, newsrooms have adapted to digital transformation at different levels. Digital transformation is an opportunity for the press to affirm its leading role in the digital information era.”

Mr. Le Hai Binh, Permanent Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated that Vietnam places special emphasis on the role of the press in the era of integration and development, focusing on creating conditions for the press to adapt to changes in technology, the media environment, and the information needs of society. Over the years, the Government has implemented many major initiatives and policies to support human resource training and investment in technological infrastructure for press agencies.

In the coming period, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will focus on perfecting the legal framework in the field of digital journalism and media, especially regulations related to content created by artificial intelligence (AI), clearly establishing the legal responsibilities of organizations and individuals in the use of AI. In addition, it will create conditions and provide policies to support media agencies in applying digital technology to the production and distribution of content; prioritizing the enhancement of digital capabilities for journalists to develop the ability to quickly adapt to digital transformation and modern media trends.

According to VNA

Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/tin-uc/bao-chi-nam-bat-co-hoi-chuyen-doi-so/20250619080305778