General Trinh Van Quyet - Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Head of the General Political Department of the Vietnam People's Army (now Member of the Politburo, Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Head of the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department) visits the exhibition booth of the Vietnam Veterans Newspaper at the 2025 National Press Conference.
Photo: Hoang Linh
Every Wednesday morning, holding a newspaper still smelling of fresh paper, readers often stop to admire the striking headlines, captivating articles, or emotionally evocative photographs. Few realize that, in addition to the reporters and editors directly involved in creating the content, there are many unsung heroes working behind the scenes to ensure each issue is published on schedule. Their names aren't listed in the articles, they don't appear at journalism awards ceremonies, and readers don't know their faces, yet they are the ones who contribute to the completion, publication, and distribution of each issue to readers across the country.
These days in June, as journalists across the country commemorate the 101st anniversary of Vietnam's Revolutionary Press Day, I think often about those unsung heroes—the people who quietly keep the newsroom's machinery running day after day.
Late in the afternoon, when many offices in the editorial office were deserted, the lights in the Editorial Secretary's office remained on. On the computer screen, the newspaper pages were gradually being finalized. Every line of text, every photograph, every blank space on the page was meticulously reviewed before going to print. Sitting in front of the screen was Mr. Nguyen Tuan Anh, a layout technician who has been with the Vietnam Veterans Newspaper since 2009. Seventeen years is enough time to witness many changes in the newspaper, from traditional newspapermaking methods to the digital transformation, from the days of manual layout to the modern software of today. But one thing remains unchanged: the requirement for accuracy. Even a small error in layout can affect the quality of the entire issue. A photograph placed in the wrong position, a mistaken caption, an unbalanced headline, or simply a technical error in the layout process – all can become regrettable when the newspaper is printed. Therefore, caution has almost become a professional reflex for those working in technical fields.
When asked what kept him dedicated to this often-unmentioned job for so many years, he smiled gently and said, "Being a technician is like being behind the scenes. The audience can't see you, but you still have to do your job well." Indeed, readers may not know who designs the newspaper, but every time they hold a beautifully presented, scientifically organized , and easy-to-read issue in their hands, they know it's the result of the hard work of people like him. During major holidays, important political events of the country and of the Vietnam Veterans Association, when many people are resting with their families, the technicians are still present at the editorial office to ensure the newspaper is published on time and with the best quality.
While technology contributes to the newspaper's visual identity, distribution and advertising serve as a bridge connecting the editorial office with readers and partners.
For many years, Ms. Nguyen Thu Hai, Head of Administration and Finance, has quietly undertaken this task. It's a job requiring meticulous attention to detail and the ability to reconcile various demands. Behind every advertisement appearing in the newspaper are numerous discussions, adjustments, and considerations between the advertising manager and the Editorial Secretariat and layout department. Where should the advertisement be placed, how much space should it occupy, and how should it be arranged to ensure both the client's interests are protected and the newspaper's quality is maintained? Ms. Hai shared: "Clients who pay for advertising all want a prime location. We have to strike a balance to satisfy the client while maintaining the newspaper's aesthetic appeal." It sounds simple, but it's a whole process of calculation and responsibility, because behind each advertising contract is not just revenue, but also the reputation of a media organization.
In addition, the distribution process is crucial; ensuring each issue reaches the correct address and on time is the result of close monitoring and coordination among many departments. A delay in reaching readers can diminish the timeliness of the news, and a distribution error can damage reader trust. Therefore, those involved in distribution always exercise exceptional caution. They may not write the articles, but they contribute to ensuring those articles reach the readers.
In the newspaper production process, there's a less-discussed but indispensable department: finance. Many people think finance work is only about numbers, documents, and ledgers. But in reality, behind every issue lies a multitude of tasks requiring meticulous monitoring. From working with the printing house, tracking contract progress, checking completed work, to handling payment procedures with partners and clients, every step must be accurate and timely. A delayed payment can affect printing schedules. An incomplete procedure can disrupt the work of many other departments. The end of the month, quarter, year, or before major events are usually the busiest times. All of this is to ensure the smooth operation of the system. This work doesn't appear on the newspaper's pages, but it's present in the regularity of each publication. Like silent gears in a machine, it contributes to ensuring that the newspaper reaches readers on time.
In another corner of the editorial office, there are people who both perform their professional duties and are willing to take on additional tasks for the common good. Mr. Tran Hoang Linh is one such person. As the Deputy Head of the Electronics Department (now the Editorial Secretariat - Electronics Department), he readily takes on the driving duties when needed. During business trips, transporting staff, or delivering documents, he naturally accepts these tasks. It's not a mandatory duty, nor is it a task listed in his job title. Simply because he understands that the collective always needs sharing. When asked if he finds it difficult to take on multiple roles simultaneously, he just smiles: "Contributing to the common good is enough to make the work go smoothly." The simplicity of that answer reminds me of the qualities of the soldiers of yesteryear: unwavering, selfless, always ready when the collective needs them. That's what we learn from and follow the example of the veteran journalists of Vietnam who came before us.
For over a century, the Vietnamese Revolutionary Press has accompanied our nation through every stage of history. Behind the impactful journalistic works lies the hard work of many generations of journalists. Behind these works are also the silent contributions of countless other individuals. Each person has their own task, their own position, but all contribute to the common goal of delivering accurate, useful, and humane information to readers. Some are more frequently mentioned, while others remain quietly behind the scenes, but the value of each job is equally worthy of respect. Because without a single link, the machine cannot function completely.
Whenever I pick up a new issue of a newspaper, I often think of those unsung heroes. They don't appear on the pages, but their efforts are present in every page. These simple acts perhaps speak volumes, showing that behind every page there are people silently contributing. They are not noisy or flashy, but they are persistent and responsible.
It is this dedication that ensures the newspaper is published regularly, carrying the rhythm of the nation's life, the voice of veterans, and the trust of its readers. This is also a unique beauty of journalism: the beauty of the people behind each page.
Source: https://cuuchienbinh.vn/chung-toi-noi-ve-chung-toi-d43442.html
![[Photo] Thousands of people participate in a run to show their support for the campaign "Sharing a common determination to build drug-free communes, wards, and special zones".](https://vphoto.vietnam.vn/thumb/1200x675/vietnam/resource/IMAGE/2026/06/27/1782554475933_0673e2a3df7b5e25076a-8283-jpg.webp)
