Digital transformation is a vital requirement for journalism

Editor-in-Chief of Hanoi Moi Newspaper Nguyen Minh Duc delivered the opening speech of the exhibition of Party newspaper covers of the Northern provinces and cities at the Workshop. Photo: Quang Thai

Sharp weapons on the ideological and cultural front

According to Editor-in-Chief of Hanoi Moi Newspaper Nguyen Minh Duc, the workshop "Promoting the tradition of revolutionary journalism, pioneering digital transformation, accompanying the country into a new era" has a very profound meaning, providing a comprehensive view, connecting the past, present and future of Vietnam's revolutionary journalism, in which the Party newspaper always plays an important role and position.

Looking back at the glorious 100-year journey of the Vietnamese Revolutionary Press, we cannot help but be moved by the proud golden pages of history. From the secret newspapers born in the fire of the struggle for national liberation, despite the repression of the enemy, to the newspapers carrying the call to arms, awakening the country in the work of building and defending the socialist Fatherland. The revolutionary press has always been a sharp weapon on the ideological and cultural front.

With their sharp pens, passionate hearts and tireless dedication, generations of Vietnamese journalists have made important contributions to the victory of the revolutionary cause, arousing patriotism, self-reliance, encouraging the spirit of great national unity, urging the whole country to overcome all hardships and sacrifices to achieve independence, freedom, peace and unity. Famous newspapers and talented journalists have become symbols and examples of loyalty, courage, talent and aspiration to contribute to the revolutionary cause of the Party and the nation.

In particular, President Ho Chi Minh, the genius leader of the nation, the teacher of Vietnamese revolutionary journalism, left us a huge legacy that we need to continue to explore , learn and apply to improve the overall quality of journalism work."

In it, President Ho Chi Minh clearly stated the principles and purposes of the Vietnamese revolutionary press: "Our press must serve the working people, serve socialism, serve the struggle to unify the country, and serve world peace", broadly speaking, serve the cause of building socialism, protecting the socialist Fatherland of Vietnam and actively contributing to world peace because the goal of the era is national independence associated with socialism.

Central and Hanoi leaders opened the exhibition of Party newspaper covers from northern provinces and cities. Photo: Quang Thai

Regarding the role and tasks of the Vietnamese revolutionary press: President Ho Chi Minh considered journalists as revolutionary soldiers, “their pen and paper are their sharp weapons”, therefore “Journalists are also revolutionary soldiers”. He advised: “Regarding the responsibility of the press, Lenin said: The press is a propagandist, an agitator, a general organizer, a general leader. Therefore, the task of journalists is important and glorious. To fulfill that task well, one must strive to study politics, improve one’s ideology, stand firmly on the proletarian class position; must improve one’s cultural level, must delve deeply into one’s profession. One must always strive, and striving will certainly lead to success”.

Regarding building a team of journalists who are both “red” and “professional”: President Ho Chi Minh required journalists to constantly cultivate revolutionary ethics, cultivate ideology, study politics to grasp the Party and State's guidelines and policies, go deep into reality, go deep into the working masses, must always improve their cultural level, hone their skills, and sharpen their pens; especially must cultivate a solid political stance.

Inheritance and development

In the context of the world entering the era of the 4.0 Industrial Revolution with profound and comprehensive changes in all areas of social life, our country is facing unprecedented opportunities and challenges. The entire Party and people are striving to achieve two 100-year goals: By 2030, the 100th anniversary of the Party's founding, to become a developing country with modern industry and high average income. By 2045, the 100th anniversary of the country's founding, to become a developed country with high income.

To realize that aspiration, the Party Central Committee and General Secretary To Lam initiated and directed the implementation of the revolution to streamline the apparatus, reorganize administrative units and organize two-level local governments. More than ever, we need the consensus and joint efforts of the entire Party, the entire people and the entire army, in which the revolutionary press in general and the Party newspaper system in provinces and cities in particular play a very important role.

Delegates attending the workshop. Photo: Quang Thai

The new situation requires the Vietnamese press to innovate strongly and comprehensively, constantly improve the quality of content and form, and meet the increasingly high and diverse information needs of the public. In particular, in the strong flow of the digital revolution, digital transformation is no longer a trend but a vital requirement for every press agency.

The Party newspaper system, as the voice of the Party Committee, government and people of localities, more than anyone else must be a pioneer in the digital transformation process, strongly applying information technology and artificial intelligence to press activities, creating attractive, multimedia press products that spread strongly, contributing to orienting public opinion and strengthening people's trust in the leadership of the Party and State.

In that spirit, the 30th Conference of Party Newspapers of Northern Provinces and Cities held today has an important meaning. The theme of the conference clearly demonstrates our determination to inherit and promote the glorious tradition of revolutionary journalism, while strongly transforming ourselves to meet the requirements of the new era.

Discuss 4 important contents

In order for the workshop to achieve practical results, the Organizing Committee respectfully suggests that delegates focus on in-depth discussions on the following contents:

Firstly, assess the current situation and propose solutions to improve the quality of content of Party newspapers to bring the Party's policies and resolutions into life most effectively, in the context of multi-dimensional information and fierce competition today. How can Party newspapers maintain their principles and purposes while innovating the method of information transmission, attracting readers, especially the younger generation?

Second, share experiences and propose effective digital transformation models for local Party press agencies. From building technology infrastructure, training human resources to developing digital journalism products, exploiting data and interacting with readers on digital platforms.

Third, the role of Party newspapers in accompanying localities in realizing socio-economic development goals, ensuring national defense and security, and building a strong Party and political system in the new era. How can Party newspapers truly be a reliable bridge between the Party, the government and the people, contributing to creating social consensus and arousing the development aspirations of each locality?

Fourth, improve the capacity of cadres, reporters, and editors of Party newspapers to meet the requirements of modern journalism and the digital transformation process. Focus on fostering knowledge and skills in digital technology, data journalism, multimedia journalism, as well as political mettle and professional ethics of revolutionary journalists.

Delegates attending the workshop. Photo: Quang Thai

“We believe that, with the high sense of responsibility, enthusiasm and rich experience of comrades, the 30th Conference of Party Newspapers of Northern Provinces and Cities will take place in an exciting atmosphere, garnering many valuable opinions, contributing significantly to the planning of the Party press development strategy in the new period, truly being a pioneering force on the ideological and cultural front, accompanying the country to firmly step into the era of national development”, Editor-in-Chief Nguyen Minh Duc emphasized.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/chuyen-doi-so-la-yeu-cau-song-con-doi-voi-bao-chi-702428.html