The press fosters trust.

Is it easy or difficult to write about your profession? A thorough answer to this question largely depends on the attitude of the person involved, especially for professions related to journalism, literature, and writing.

For journalists, giving praise and offering constructive criticism is not only a scientific approach but also an art of conduct towards their profession, the public, and society. This contributes to strengthening and building reader trust and is also a way to protect the integrity, impartiality, and professionalism of journalists.

I began this journey when I held in my hands the manuscript "Journalism Fosters Trust" by Colonel, Master of Science, Journalist Nguyen Van Hai - one of the mature and reputable political commentators of the People's Army Newspaper. He is a close contributor to the Journalist Magazine - the professional theoretical organ of the Vietnam Journalists Association .

Under the pen name Thien Van, dozens of his articles published in the Journalist Magazine have contributed a multifaceted voice and insightful perspective on journalism, a perspective that only those who are passionate, loyal, and dedicated to the profession can fully capture its diverse dimensions.

The book "Journalism Fosters Trust" is the heartfelt work of a journalist-soldier who has dedicated over a quarter of a century to the profession. Beyond his strengths in writing political commentary, reviews, and journalistic essays, Thien Van is deeply committed to journalism and considers it one of the most interesting topics in his professional life.

According to the author, faith is a natural emotion, expressing a sacred conviction in the good things that people always cherish, appreciate, and strive for. No one should simply think of journalism as just a profession; it is more than that—a mission. That mission is manifested in the fact that journalistic information has a positive (or negative) impact on public opinion, social attitudes, and people's thoughts and feelings. Journalistic information has the noble mission of facilitating the flow of society and connecting community strength by consistently cultivating, nurturing, and building trust among the public.

The higher the public's satisfaction index with the press, the greater the journalist's competence, qualities, and social responsibility. When journalists persistently and sincerely nurture trust – over time, through their excellent journalistic works – to "plant" trust in the public and cultivate trust in society, they will certainly earn the affection of the public and society, and receive favorable conditions and an environment for the press to operate.

From that overarching theme, the book is structured into five parts, each containing ten works.

In Part I, "Mission and Responsibility," the author emphasizes the glorious mission and lofty responsibility of journalists, which must be consistently demonstrated in both thought and action throughout their professional careers, as well as in each journalistic work, in order to contribute to fostering public trust. In Part II, "Journalistic Ethics," through the behaviors of journalists in their work, the author affirms that consciously adhering to professional ethical standards will help prevent the corruption of the pen and avoid bringing shame to the title of journalist.

Adding another perspective on journalistic experience, Part III, "Professional Exchange," features discussions closely related to the realities of journalism, sharing practical and useful behind-the-scenes stories for journalists. As a bridge to the public and influencing their thoughts and behavior, the press has a responsibility to protect and spread the purity of the mother tongue – one of the distinctive elements that make up the soul of Vietnamese culture. This message is emphasized in Part IV, "Preserving the Standards of the Vietnamese Language."

Drawing from personal experiences and observations, from love, passion, and countless thoughts and concerns about journalism, Part V, "Confessions of a Journalist," presents the author's sincere and profound reflections on the profession of writing.

There's a saying in journalism: A good journalist knows how to find something new amidst a sea of ​​old things; they know how to approach and offer a fresh perspective on familiar issues. To do this, journalists must be observant, attentive, and diligent in their research and discovery, finding new information to inform, analyze, explain, and comment on, using rich language, vivid words, and flexible delivery to enhance the persuasiveness and effectiveness of their work. Especially when writing about journalism, a lack of subtle expression and delivery can lead to appearing like an amateur trying to impress their colleagues.

Aware of this, journalist Nguyen Van Hai has strived to demonstrate a new way of thinking, a new approach, and has created many journalistic works with distinctive, interesting details that easily persuade readers.

An example illustrating this is found in the article "The Inspirational Power of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's Writing Style," where journalist Nguyen Van Hai observes: "The message of a work, the identity of its writing style and language, is the 'cultural code' that identifies the speaker, writer, and spokesperson. Therefore, the ancients said, 'Writing reflects the person.' A person's writing style, to a greater or lesser extent, reflects their cultural level, thinking, ideology, knowledge, life experience, and personal style."

It can be said that the book "Journalism Fosters Trust" has, to some extent, portrayed the portrait of a journalist-soldier who is always dedicated, passionate, deeply committed to, and cherishes the profession of journalism.

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Thanh Loi

Editor-in-Chief of the Economic and Urban Newspaper

Source: https://nhandan.vn/bao-chi-nuoi-duong-long-tin-post886963.html