A new chapter in the merger process.

BHG - Sixty-one years after the publication of its first issue, Ha Giang Newspaper – the mouthpiece of the Party Committee, government, and people of all ethnic groups in Ha Giang province – is about to officially close its historical journey, heading towards a new phase in the administrative merger process between Ha Giang and Tuyen Quang provinces. This event marks an unprecedented turning point in the history of local journalism – a region once considered particularly disadvantaged but rich in identity and persistent in its aspiration for change.

BHG - Sixty-one years after the publication of its first issue, Ha Giang Newspaper – the mouthpiece of the Party Committee, government, and people of all ethnic groups in Ha Giang province – is about to officially close its historical journey, heading towards a new phase in the administrative merger process between Ha Giang and Tuyen Quang provinces. This event marks an unprecedented turning point in the history of local journalism – a region once considered particularly disadvantaged but rich in identity and persistent in its aspiration for change.

Going back in history, on April 13, 1964, the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee issued Resolution No. 11 on upgrading the "Ha Giang News" to "Ha Giang Newspaper" and officially establishing the newspaper of the Vietnam Labor Party Committee of Ha Giang province. The Ha Giang Newspaper was born amidst the fierce resistance war against the US, and the mountainous regions of the North were still facing numerous shortages. At that time, the newspaper was printed on recycled paper using manual techniques and published irregularly, yet it quickly became the "only information channel" helping ethnic minority communities grasp the Party's guidelines, policies, and the State's laws. From being just an internal news publication, with only four print issues per month, the Ha Giang Newspaper now publishes five issues per week with a circulation of 9,000 copies per issue, and has since digitized and transformed itself in the era of the 4.0 revolution. The newspaper has won numerous provincial, regional, and national journalism awards; it has been a training ground and a place of growth for many generations of journalists, many of whom later held leadership positions in the Propaganda, Information and Communications, or Party agencies of the province.

Retired officials in Group 1, Tran Phu Ward (Ha Giang City) regularly keep up with the news in the Ha Giang Newspaper.

The newspaper not only reflects the political and social life of Ha Giang but also serves as a "witness" to the daily changes. From poverty alleviation programs; building new rural areas, protecting border sovereignty, to transformations in digital transformation, tourism development, trade, and local culture… all are reflected on every page with the dedication and responsibility of Ha Giang journalists across generations.

On June 12, 2025, the 15th National Assembly passed Resolution No. 202/QH15 on the reorganization of provincial-level administrative units. Accordingly, the entire natural area and population of Ha Giang and Tuyen Quang provinces will be merged into a new province called Tuyen Quang. After the reorganization, Tuyen Quang province will have a natural area of ​​13,795.50 km2 and a population of 1,865,270 people. This is part of the overall program to streamline the administrative apparatus, reduce staffing levels, save budget, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Party and State's management. On July 1, 2025, the new provincial-level administrative apparatus will officially begin operations. Ha Giang Newspaper, as the official publication of the Ha Giang Provincial Party Committee, will cease operations and merge with Tuyen Quang Newspaper, forming a new media agency under the merged Tuyen Quang province.

The closure of a local newspaper that has been closely associated with the political, cultural, and social life of the people of Ha Giang for over 60 years leaves many feeling emotional. For the reporters, editors, technicians, and workers of Ha Giang Newspaper, this moment is a poignant and emotional pause. Journalist Hoang Ngoc, Editor in the Secretariat and Editorial Department with over 17 years of service at Ha Giang Newspaper, shared: “We consider Ha Giang Newspaper as our common home. Closing the newspaper does not mean we stop contributing. We are ready for a new phase, but the memories and pride of Ha Giang Newspaper will never fade.”

Many young journalists working at the newspaper have expressed regret, because the Ha Giang Newspaper brand is not just an organization but also a symbol of spirit, a place that nurtures writing skills and civic responsibility. However, this transfer is not simply an end, but the beginning of a modern, larger-scale media model with greater reach and a stronger connection to the development process of the Northern Midlands and mountainous region. Young journalist Nguyen Minh Chau, Editor of the Online News and Digital Content Department, affirmed: “Now, as this new turning point approaches, my emotions are incredibly mixed. The merger means starting over in a new environment, getting acquainted with new colleagues and a new journalistic style. But I believe that if I keep the passion for the profession alive, I can do the job anywhere – and do it well. I will try to adapt, strive to develop myself, and continue to tell the stories of the people and the land I love.”

In the process of innovation and integration, we often talk about "adaptation," but we must also recognize the values ​​that need to be preserved. Ha Giang Newspaper is a true cultural brand of the rocky plateau region. It represents a difficult period but one full of ideals, creativity in times of scarcity, and perseverance in building a new life.

The merger of newspapers in the restructuring process is inevitable, but the human element must be given even greater emphasis. How can we ensure that journalists are not left behind? How can the voices of the people of old Ha Giang, with their unique geopolitical, ethnic, and cultural characteristics, still be fully and profoundly reflected in the unified journalistic space? And as the final issue of Ha Giang Newspaper prepares for a special edition, many loyal readers, from ordinary citizens and influential figures in Dong Van, Meo Vac, Xin Man, Hoang Su Phi... to veteran officials in Ha Giang city, share a common feeling of emotion and regret, but also full of confidence. Because they understand that closing a newspaper is not the end, but the opening of a new chapter, where the values ​​of revolutionary journalism will be preserved, inherited, and developed even more strongly.

On July 1st, 2025, although Ha Giang Newspaper will no longer exist in name, it will forever remain in the hearts of its readers as a symbol of intelligence, resilience, and faith on the journey towards the future.

Text and photos: MINH KHAI

Source: https://baohagiang.vn/xa-hoi/202506/chang-duong-moi-trong-tien-trinh-sap-nhap-3f400e8/