Need to invest more in press agencies, especially key press agencies

On the afternoon of October 23, during a discussion at Group 6 (National Assembly Delegation of Dong Nai, Lang Son, Hue City) on the draft Law on Press (amended), National Assembly Deputies suggested that the State should invest more heavily in press agencies, especially key press agencies, and should review loopholes in journalists' work and apply artificial intelligence (AI) in content production.

Amending the law to improve the quality of press agencies

Agreeing with the comprehensive amendment of the Press Law this time, National Assembly Deputy Trinh Xuan An especially emphasized the deep connection of the press with the activities of the National Assembly. However, the delegate also pointed out many issues that need to be reviewed, from the classification of the press to the economic operation mechanism.

National Assembly Delegate Trinh Xuan An ( Dong Nai ) speaks

Delegate Trinh Xuan An said that after the reorganization process, many press agencies have increased their strength, so the law amendment must aim to improve the quality of press agencies in the coming time.

Regarding the issue of press classification, National Assembly member Trinh Xuan An commented that the draft classifies print, television, radio, and electronic newspapers, but “there is no sign of classification for what purpose”, leading to the risk of ineffective management. The representative suggested that the classification should be very clear to ensure suitability and meet management requirements.

In particular, for media complexes and multimedia key agency models, it is necessary to clarify the concept and separate it into a separate law to have a specific support mechanism, delegates suggested.

Regarding the press economy, the delegate emphasized that this is a task that goes hand in hand with the political task. However, the current regulations on the revenue sources of press agencies are still too general, causing difficulties for the units. The delegate said that there needs to be stronger investment in press agencies, especially key press agencies, so that the press agencies can survive, "live well", and operate smoothly.

National Assembly Deputy Phan Viet Luong (Dong Nai) speaks about the draft Press Law (amended). Photo: Ho Long

Agreeing with the above viewpoint, National Assembly member Phan Viet Luong also emphasized: there will be only 6 main press agencies left. Accordingly, in order for press agencies in general, and main press agencies in particular, to operate well, to operate in the true sense of revolutionary press (both performing political tasks and ensuring economic activities), the state needs to invest heavily, and have a special investment mechanism so that these agencies do not have to depend too much on advertising sources. "If the press depends on advertising sources, it will affect its orientation and give rise to many other problems" - the representative emphasized.

It is necessary to clearly define principles, criteria, and professional ethical standards when using AI in journalism activities.

Regarding the authority and duties of the press management agency (Point b, Clause 1, Article 15 of the draft Law), it is stipulated that: "The appointment or reappointment of the head or deputy head of a press agency, or the assignment of a person assigned to perform the duties of the head of a press agency" must have the written consent of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. National Assembly Deputy Luu Ba Mac (Lang Son) said that this provision is quite formal and not suitable for practice. Because the personnel of local press agencies are directly managed, evaluated and considered by the locality on the basis of standards, capacity and reputation. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism does not directly manage these personnel, so requiring the consent of the Ministry is both time-consuming and procedural, and can even lead to negativity.

National Assembly Delegate Luu Ba Mac (Lang Son) speaks. Photo: Ho Long

Therefore, the delegate suggested that the drafting agency consider decentralizing more strongly to localities, allowing local press management agencies to proactively carry out appointments and reappointments without having to ask for the Ministry's approval.

Regarding the rights and obligations of journalists (Point c, Clause 2, Article 28), the draft Law states: journalists are allowed to go to agencies and organizations to work and only need to present their press cards. At that time, agencies and organizations are responsible for providing information and documents that are not within the scope of state secrets, private secrets or other secrets as prescribed. However, delegates said that this provision is quite broad, which could lead to a situation where journalists exploit and request information beyond the principles and purposes of the press agency where they work, potentially abusing their authority. Accordingly, it is recommended that the drafting agency consider and supplement clearer regulations in Clause 2, Article 32, allowing competent agencies, organizations and individuals to refuse to provide information if the content is not related to the principles and purposes licensed by the press agency where the journalist is working.

Regarding electronic journalism and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism activities, some delegates said that the draft Law currently does not have specific regulations on this issue, while in reality, the application of AI in news production, editing, and distribution is becoming more and more popular. Therefore, it is recommended that the drafting agency consider and add separate content on the application of artificial intelligence technology in journalism activities, in which it is necessary to clearly stipulate the principles, criteria, and professional ethics standards when using artificial intelligence technology in journalism activities. At the same time, it is recommended to add to Clause 2, Article 9 a provision prohibiting the posting and broadcasting of AI-generated content with the purpose of forging, distorting, defaming, or infringing on the privacy of organizations and individuals.

Source: https://daibieunhandan.vn/can-dau-tu-manh-hon-cho-co-quan-bao-chi-nhat-la-co-quan-bao-chi-chu-luc-10392680.html