The press must first and foremost serve the revolution and the people.

On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Vietnam's Revolutionary Press Day, the National Political Publishing House has released the book "The Press Must First and For All Serve the Revolution and the People."

This publication compiles 40 representative articles, speeches, letters, telegrams, and appeals by President Ho Chi Minh to readers, journalists, and domestic and international media outlets, written between 1922 and 1962. More than just a valuable historical document, this book serves as a guiding principle for the ideology, ethics, and professional integrity of revolutionary journalists in the present era.

As the founder of revolutionary Vietnamese journalism, President Ho Chi Minh always considered journalism a "sharp weapon" in the revolutionary cause. He emphasized that the task of journalism is to serve the Party, the revolution, and the interests of the people. This ideology is consistently reflected in every article and every specific instruction he left behind. His writings not only clearly state the goals and role of journalism but also provide specific requirements regarding journalistic methods, professional ethics, and a concise, clear, understandable, and persuasive style of expression.

This book contains a profound message and advice from President Ho Chi Minh to the Vietnamese press.

A highlight of the book is the very practical and insightful guidance of President Ho Chi Minh for journalists. He urged journalists to always ask themselves: "Who are you writing for?", "What is the purpose of your writing?", "How can you write in a way that is easy to understand, easy to remember, and easy to follow?". He particularly emphasized truthfulness and responsibility in every word and warned against verbosity, formalism, and dogmatism in journalism. He considered journalists to be revolutionary fighters, viewed the pen and paper as "weapons," and demanded that journalists be ambitious, constantly learning, and cultivating their political and moral qualities.

Through articles such as "The Propagandist and the Method of Propaganda," "Some Shortcomings of Our Press," or "Criticism Must Be Accompanied by Self-Criticism," readers can clearly see the fighting spirit, practicality, and open-mindedness that President Ho Chi Minh instilled. Articles such as "Popular Journalism" or "Children's Newspaper" also demonstrate the spirit of serving all strata of the people, from laborers to young people – the future force of the country.

In the current context, where journalism faces numerous challenges such as diverse information sources, the rapid development of social media, the pressure of commercialization, and the spread of fake news, the guiding principles of President Ho Chi Minh remain invaluable as a red thread illuminating the path for journalists. Therefore, this book is not only for journalists but also a useful reference for cadres, Party members, media managers, and a wide readership interested in the revolutionary cause of journalism.

MAI AN

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/bao-chi-truoc-het-phai-phuc-vu-cach-mang-phuc-vu-nhan-dan-post799775.html