Ha Giang Online Newspaper: A journey filled with memorable moments.

BHG - In the vibrant rhythm of digital transformation and social media, journalism is not only a means of conveying information, but also the "breath" that vividly reflects social life. After nearly two decades of formation and development, Ha Giang Online Newspaper has been affirming its pioneering role in promoting and connecting readers both domestically and internationally with this land at the northernmost tip of the country.

BHG - In the vibrant rhythm of digital transformation and social media, journalism is not only a means of conveying information, but also the "breath" that vividly reflects social life. After nearly two decades of formation and development, Ha Giang Online Newspaper has been affirming its pioneering role in promoting and connecting readers both domestically and internationally with this land at the northernmost tip of the country.

A journey that leaves its mark

Officially launched on the Internet on February 3, 2007, on the occasion of the anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam , the Ha Giang Online Newspaper opened a fast, authentic information channel for the Ha Giang Provincial Party Committee on the Internet. In its early days, although it was just a team within the Secretariat and Publishing Department, with only four staff members, including one deputy head and three technicians, and with limited resources and virtually no skills in online journalism, the team of the Online Newspaper Department, through tireless effort and continuous learning, gradually built a foundation of in-depth, rich, diverse, and reliable information, effectively serving the province's political propaganda mission and the public's information needs.

Website interface of Ha Giang Newspaper in 2008.

Initially, the Ha Giang Online Newspaper received only a few hundred visits, then this number rose to 4,000 in 2010. By 2017, it had over 12,000 visits per day, and currently stands at over 19,000 visits per day. With diverse sections ranging from current affairs, politics , economics, culture, and society to defense and security, education, and entertainment, the user-friendly interface, carefully selected content, and constant updates are the "keys" to retaining readers – from officials and Party members to people in remote areas and overseas Vietnamese.

Reporters from Ha Giang Online Newspaper working in Truong Sa in 2012.

On November 8, 2019, the Ha Giang Online Newspaper was licensed to operate as an online newspaper by the Ministry of Information and Communications . The Ha Giang Online Newspaper promptly innovated and launched a smartphone interface version. The Ha Giang Online Newspaper actively learns and innovates, promoting multimedia communication by producing and embedding television and radio content into news articles; creating journalistic works through e-magazines; and using AI technology to read news articles…

Implementing digital transformation within the editorial office, in December 2019, the Ha Giang Online Newspaper launched its first online radio program with 3 programs per week. Leveraging the multimedia capabilities of the online newspaper, the Ha Giang Newspaper boldly implemented live television and radio broadcasts of several important political events in the province on its online newspaper and on its fanpage, as well as on several provincial fanpages, receiving high praise from listeners and readers. Currently, the editorial board, staff, editors, and reporters of the Ha Giang Online Newspaper are actively anticipating and taking advantage of the development trends in information technology to improve the quality and multimedia capabilities of the online newspaper.

Transforming dramatically in the digital age.

In the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, digital transformation is no longer a trend but a necessity for the survival and development of journalism. Ha Giang Online Newspaper has not stood outside this trend, but has proactively embraced it, making strong, comprehensive, and substantive strides, becoming a shining example of technology application among Party newspapers nationwide.

Since 2021, Ha Giang Newspaper has developed and put into operation a converged electronic newsroom software, allowing for the management of the entire journalistic production process, from editing, article review, and print layout to payment processing. All processes are digitized, creating a closed, efficient, and flexible workflow. This is a crucial foundation that helps the newsroom adapt to the modern journalistic environment, especially in a remote and fragmented area like Ha Giang province. Using software in the news production process is highly suitable for remote work and working at any time.

Reporters and editors prepare for a filming session.

In 2022, Ha Giang Newspaper continued to invest in modern recording and filming studios, fully equipped with cameras, lighting, video editing software, virtual studios, etc., to serve the production of multimedia journalistic works. Thanks to this, from being just a "news page" aggregating content from print newspapers, the online version of Ha Giang Newspaper has risen to become an independent, flexible, and creative media channel, producing distinctive features such as: Check-in Ha Giang, Talk Ha Giang, field reports, video news bulletins, audio stories, etc.

Not stopping there, Ha Giang Newspaper has actively expanded its communication space to social media, meeting the new information consumption habits of its readers. The newspaper's official fanpage currently has over 47,000 followers, becoming an effective interactive channel where journalistic products are widely disseminated, especially during breaking news events. For example, during the recent floods in Bac Quang district, the Ha Giang Newspaper's online team continuously livestreamed from the scene, providing live coverage of rescue and relief efforts, attracting millions of views and shares.

Reporters conducted a livestream on the digital platforms of Ha Giang Newspaper.

In addition to its Vietnamese platform, the Ha Giang Online Newspaper also developed an English-language section (launched in April 2024), utilizing a modern CMS system that integrates feedback management, content creation, and interactive features. This is a strategic step aimed at serving foreign relations, promoting the image of Ha Giang to the world, especially in attracting investment and developing tourism in Ha Giang.

Delegates press the button to officially launch the English-language section of the Ha Giang Online Newspaper (April 2024).

Journalism in the digital age is not just about "telling stories with words," but also about "telling stories with technology." Ha Giang Newspaper has clearly demonstrated its acumen in mastering technology, integrating audio-visual-reading elements into each product, thereby enhancing user experience and expanding the newspaper's influence.

Looking towards a new phase of development.

With a proactive, creative spirit and dedication to the profession, from its humble beginnings with only 4 staff members sharing both the good and the bad, the department now has 11 staff members, including reporters, editors, and technicians. The team consistently fosters a spirit of unity, camaraderie, creativity, and mutual support for progress and development. Each staff member is committed to improving their political acumen and professional skills. Everyone strives to excel in their primary professional duties while also learning to take on additional responsibilities. For example, Editor Minh Châu handles editing but also manages to produce programs and broadcasts; Reporter Viên Sự combines reporting with graphic design for multimedia journalistic works. Thanks to this, despite the heavy workload, the department consistently meets requirements, from professional expertise and editing to minimizing errors and creating new content suitable for various social media platforms. To disseminate more of the content of Ha Giang Newspaper to readers throughout the country and to international friends.

Colleagues from a neighboring provincial newspaper visited the recording and filming studio of Ha Giang Newspaper.

With nearly 18 years of formation and development, alongside its print and photo-based newspapers for the people of the highlands, the Ha Giang Online Newspaper has truly become a close "companion" in the hearts of its readers. It serves as a source of spiritual nourishment and a reliable address for every official, Party member, and citizen, contributing to the glorious achievements of the Ha Giang Newspaper agency over the past 60 years.

In the near future, following the policy of the Party and State, Ha Giang province will merge with Tuyen Quang province and take the name Tuyen Quang province, officially commencing operations on July 1, 2025. The Ha Giang online newspaper will also merge with the Tuyen Quang online newspaper, taking the name Tuyen Quang Online. Although there is a touch of sadness and regret among those working at Ha Giang Newspaper, as well as readers who have been closely associated with and supported the newspaper, the two newspapers, two names, are now merging into one, aiming for a new phase of development, with human resources and digital technology being focused on and maximized. The staff of Ha Giang online newspaper will continue to work alongside Tuyen Quang Online to accompany readers, serving as an important bridge between the Party, State, and the people.

Text and photos: Le Lam

Source: https://baohagiang.vn/van-hoa/202506/bao-ha-giang-dien-tu-hanh-trinh-mang-nhieu-dau-an-d771157/