The press has tried to “break into” all platforms, from building apps, websites, social networks... but the overall picture is still quite bleak. Many major newspapers have seen a sharp decline in both readership and circulation at a terrifying rate.
That is the opinion of Dr. Tran Dang Tuan, former Deputy General Director of Vietnam Television, about the "gray areas" of the current press picture.
Speaking at the National Press Forum 2025, a discussion session with the theme "Vietnamese press in the new era: Vision for creating development space" on the afternoon of June 19, Mr. Tuan affirmed that the press must return to its core value of content quality.
Journalism does not follow social networks
Dr. Tran Dang Tuan believes that press agencies should no longer worry about "where to sell", but should focus on the core issue, which is improving the quality of journalism.
“The press has only one way to go, which is to become a credible and open source that brings value so that, after all, readers will have to come to it,” said Mr. Tran Dang Tuan.
Besides, he also said that press agencies should also think about combining with communication activities, social opinion polls... to diversify and increase revenue sources.
“We have many ways to do it. But whether we go far or near, in the end we still have to come back to the story of quality,” Mr. Tran Dang Tuan emphasized.
Sharing the same view, Mr. Hoang Nam Tien, Vice Chairman of the Board of FPT University, cited examples of recent special articles and press publications that have been sought after by the public, especially the young. Mr. Tien said that some press agencies have been successful because they “have said what all classes of people want to receive.”
"If we can do that, no matter how long it is, they will read it. I have witnessed thousands of Gen Zers opening the newspaper, scanning the QR Code and reading it enthusiastically. Here, we need to return to the old value: All readers want to have reliable, authentic sources of information. Journalists themselves also need to be real journalists, and truly consider journalism as a revolutionary weapon. The more we face pressure from social networks and AI, the more necessary these requirements are," said Mr. Hoang Nam Tien.
Regarding AI causing journalism to “lose its job,” Mr. Tien frankly admitted that AI can do many things, but there are 3 things artificial intelligence cannot do.
“AI is not curious, AI is very good at imitating creativity but not at investigating. And finally, AI does not have emotional intelligence. If the lines you write can still touch someone’s heart, you do not have to fear AI,” Mr. Tien emphasized.
Speaking at the forum, Mr. Le Quoc Vinh, Chairman of Le Media Group, said that it is time to reposition the role and mission of the press in the new reality.
Accordingly, the press must still be based on the truth, going to the end of the truth; instead of "caressing" and being a copy of social networks. The press here must be a gatekeeper, bringing authentic and reputable information to readers.
“When the public is confused by the information they read on social networks, the press must become a beacon to reassure the community. That is how we create a new position for the press in this information battle,” Mr. Vinh shared.
To do this, the press needs to move towards a model of creation and solutions, instead of just stopping at regular reporting. In addition, the press must also become a center of connection and interaction, creating open forums to increase public participation; building loyal communities.
Mr. Vinh also proposed the pillars to create a new reality for journalism, including: Content quality is the core; technological innovation and comprehensive digital transformation; diversifying sustainable business models and focusing on training and developing human resources.
Building a 'refined, compact, strong' press
In addition to improving content quality, Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hoa, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Digital Transformation Center, said that the press needs to continue to implement the goal of "Refined, compact, strong, efficient, and effective" in its operations.
“Journalists must be sophisticated, press agencies must be streamlined, processes must be efficient, and operating models must be effective. To do so, we need to aim for a humane and modern press,” Mr. Hoa stated his opinion.
Specifically analyzing, Mr. Hoa said that humanistic journalism takes serving the goal of a rich people, a strong country, democracy, fairness, and civilization as the top priority. In response to the country's requirements today, each press agency must be strong, then there will be a strong press group, and only then can we create a community, help people, businesses, and implement policies.
Second, modernizing journalism means breaking stereotypes and stereotypes, expressed through both content and form. Creating a new reality for journalism means taking action to create positive changes in the interaction between journalism and cyberspace. The more mainstream information is created, the closer journalism gets to its mission of monitoring and criticizing society. Digital government, digital economy , digital society and especially digital citizens require journalism to also be knowledgeable about the activities, habits and new behaviors of new publics.
From the perspective of state management, Associate Professor, Doctor Le Hai Binh, alternate member of the Party Central Committee, Permanent Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, believes that the Vietnamese revolutionary press is strong when it firmly maintains its political compass, makes creative breakthroughs in its profession and actively applies modern technology. That is the path for the revolutionary press to truly become a modern, humane and professional foundation.
“In an era where information is a strategic asset, journalism needs to be seen as an important element in creating a knowledge ecosystem, social criticism and strengthening public trust. Every journalist is not only a writer, but also an inspirer, a creator of social values through language and professional responsibility,” said Mr. Le Hai Binh.
In order for the Vietnamese press to truly integrate into the flow of real life, clearly demonstrate its role in leading ideology and accompanying the Party's great steps, creating a spread of trust, responsibility, and development aspirations among all classes of people, Mr. Le Hai Binh has proposed a number of solutions.
Firstly, uphold revolutionary ideals, always be the channel of communication of Party and State policies in propaganda work, orient public opinion, protect ideological foundations, and resolutely refute false and hostile arguments.
Second, innovate production models and improve professional quality. Prioritize the production of high-quality, attractive and timely content to meet the information needs of the public, especially the younger generation.
Third, there is a need for training and skill development programs for the young generation of journalists, encouraging them to participate in journalistic activities, thereby creating a team of dynamic, creative and responsible journalists.
Fourth, strengthen international cooperation, helping Vietnamese journalists have the opportunity to learn from advanced journalism models in the world.
Fifth, encourage press agencies to build a positive working environment where journalists can be creative and develop.
Sixth, Vietnamese revolutionary press needs to proactively apply modern digital technology, exploit big data, artificial intelligence (AI) and at the same time promote the digital transformation process.
“A hundred years of keeping the fire burning, thousands of miles of progress, 100 years of Vietnamese revolutionary journalism is a testament to the strong vitality of a journalism for the people. In the new period, we not only need to continue to ‘keep the fire burning’ of ideals, but also need to overcome challenges to make global progress,” Mr. Le Hai Binh emphasized./.
Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/di-tim-giai-phap-de-bao-chi-phat-trien-ben-vung-trong-ky-nguyen-moi-post1045245.vnp
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