The 18th National Press Awards Applying modern journalism technology, conveying attractive content

Multimedia press products are carefully invested and attractive.

One of the highly appreciated highlights of this year's Awards season is the elaborate and attractive multimedia press products.

Many press agencies have innovated, approached modern journalism technology, developed multi-platform, multimedia journalism and creative forms of journalism to increase appeal and public accessibility; accelerated the digital transformation in the field of journalism and media. In particular, in addition to central press agencies, some local newspapers and radio stations have also changed the way they choose topics and themes and implemented them in new and modern ways, which were highly appreciated by the Preliminary and Final Jury for both quality and presentation.

Journalist Tran Tien Duan - Editor-in-Chief of VietnamPlus e-newspaper (VNA), Head of the Electronic Subcommittee for News, Reflections, and Interviews - National Press Awards Preliminary Council) said : "Many groups of authors have built good work layouts, going from the current situation to the solution and effect of the work. Some press agencies strongly apply technology to press products, especially interactive Infographics.

The trend of data journalism is clearly shown in a number of press products. Thereby, it shows the presence of journalism in all issues of public interest. The organization and implementation of news stories are also more rigorous and methodical, some stories show the author's adherence to the topic to the end. There are many topics that are exploratory, in-depth, and unique, expressing the author's own perspective. In addition, there are many works reflecting the bright spots at the Central and grassroots levels in implementing major policies of the Party and State... examples in everyday life are also shown very creatively, vividly, and convincingly".

Overview of the National Press Awards Final Round. Photo: Son Hai

Assessing the quality of this year's works, journalist Le Quoc Minh - Member of the Party Central Committee, Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan Newspaper, Deputy Head of the Central Propaganda Department, Chairman of the Vietnam Journalists Association , Chairman of the Final Jury commented: "It can be seen that, through each season, the quality of the works submitted to the contest is getting better and better, the gap between central and local press is getting narrower, many local press agencies have works that have won high prizes. This season, the Award has achieved more consistent quality in many genres, many press agencies operate well on many platforms...".

The Radio and Television genre, with its typical forms of images, sounds, on-site noises, dubbing music, etc., is also considered to have made much progress compared to previous years. Many works are highly professional, with analysis, exchange, dialogue and commentary focusing on finding new things, generalizations, and social influence. Many works have new approaches and exploitations, vivid narratives, some films have been invested in elaborately, the restorations are carefully calculated, appropriate, and use language better than the previous period.

A noteworthy point is that the documentaries of the Provincial Journalists Associations are quite consistent, with rich content, progress in filmmaking, and efforts in research and discovery, so that some works approach stories and events of different and rich life... It can be said that innovation and creativity in presenting works to make them attractive and appealing to the public have been and are "plus points" for this year's press works.

Commenting and appreciating the smooth combination of content and technology on the platforms, journalist Le Quoc Minh - Chairman of the Vietnam Journalists Association, Chairman of the National Press Awards Final Jury affirmed: “The trend of applying modern technology to electronic journalism works shows that multimedia journalism products have improved a lot. Recently, our press agencies have focused on investing in technology to make the works better and more attractive. Many entries are presented in the form of Emazagine, Longform...

The integration of photos, videos , and graphics is very smooth and beautiful, in the style of an electronic newspaper... instead of the traditional writing style of a printed newspaper on an electronic newspaper platform as before. Even writing about good people and good deeds has a more attractive and interesting writing style and presentation. Some local newspapers and radio stations have made very good investments in this area, in terms of technology, there is not much difference compared to the Central...".

Concerns for the new season…

It can be said that the preparations for the award ceremony are at the “final stage”, the excellent press works have been unanimously selected by the National Press Award Final Jury, just waiting for the official announcement and honor on the “red carpet”. Basically, the judges all commented that the quality of the works as well as the attention of the units to the National Press Award are getting better and better. However, the concerns for the new season with the expectation of continued improvement in quality are still in the minds of those assigned the responsibility of being judges.

The judges vote to select the deserving journalistic works.

Of the 165 entries in the final round, the Council discussed, assessed and voted to select 10 A prizes, 26 B prizes, 45 C prizes and 41 Encouragement prizes. The outstanding topics mentioned include: Efforts to implement the 2023 socio-economic development plan and the 2020-2030 socio-economic development strategy in the context of looking back at the first half of the 13th National Party Congress term; Party building and rectification; resolutely and persistently fighting against corruption and negativity; fighting against wrong and hostile views, protecting the Party's ideological foundation; issues of public investment, attracting foreign investment; models of agricultural and agricultural product development, green economic development, circular economy; preserving and promoting national cultural identity; protecting sovereignty over seas and islands, protecting the environment...

Along with that are works depicting the spirit of great national unity, examples of good people doing good deeds, "6 daring" cadres in difficult lands, ethnic teachers, great messengers, etc. with noble, convincing and touching gestures.

Speaking on the sidelines, journalist Le Quoc Minh said that the weaknesses seen in previous National Press Awards have not been completely resolved in this year's awards, in which the quality of the photos participating in this year's awards, although much improved, has not yet met expectations.

In addition, editorial, commentary, and essay works are a difficult but valuable genre, and their quantity and quality have not yet been improved. He hopes that photojournalism and commentary works will continue to receive more attention, investment, screening, and participation in the coming time. Or even in the electronic newspaper genre, the strength of the press is its high spread, although there is progress in many press agencies, the way of producing content, the way of presenting, and the way of using modern technology have improved a lot, but have not really kept up with the rapid development of media trends, changes in access and consumption of content on electronic platforms.

“We hope that in the future, new genres such as podcasts, videos, and creative journalism projects will be an important part of the journalism awards system. First of all, we must change the mindset of each editorial office and each journalist. In addition to traditional journalism methods, we need to dare to experiment with new methods, new tools, and approach new groups of readers instead of old groups of readers and old methods…” – Journalist Le Quoc Minh emphasized.

In order for the National Press Awards to increasingly affirm its role, position and influence, especially its inclusiveness, diversity and multi-field, it really requires joint efforts and promotion of the quality of works each year. That determination comes not only from the Organizing Committee but also from press agencies, all levels of the Journalists Association, Inter-Associations, Sub-Associations and especially the team of journalists nationwide.

In reality, life is increasingly vibrant, and there is still a need for journalists with “warm hearts”, who continue to venture out to find new topics, innovate themselves, continue to grow strongly in terms of expertise and professionalism, and fulfill their responsibilities to serve the Fatherland and the People… So that we can always believe and be proud that the success of the annual National Press Awards, this year and many years to come, will certainly be the honor of “worthy” journalists on the red carpet of the prestigious “worthy” Award.

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Hong Vinh - Former member of the Party Central Committee, former Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan Newspaper, former Chairman of the Vietnam Journalists Association:

The local Journalists Association is growing with great momentum.

The number of works this year has increased, while the quality has also improved. The works participating in the award reflect diversely and vividly the development reality of the country, the opportunities that come with challenges, the spirit of our people in carrying out the renovation initiated and led by the Party as well as international integration. This year, articles discovering new factors, advanced models, good practices, and innovations in the renovation period have been mentioned, clearly demonstrating the motto of the press: using beauty to eliminate ugliness, using positivity to push back negativity.

In particular, more and more local Journalists Associations are participating with very high-quality works, many of which are on par with central newspapers and radio stations. For example, Phu Tho Journalists Association has 3 works in different categories, all of which have won high prizes. Thus, 100% of the works of a local Journalists Association have won prizes, they are rising with very good spirit, very much appreciated.

The National Press Awards have gone through many seasons, the practices need to be summarized and expanded, we need to perfect the organization of the award regulations and the way of judging. There needs to be a thematic meeting, giving a general direction, so that the journalists' associations, press agencies as well as journalists can practice, compete, and create new qualities. Through this, I also suggest that local Party committees should pay more genuine attention to the award-winning Journalists' Associations, and there should be worthy rewards to encourage the work and creativity of journalists.

Journalist Vu Viet Trang - Member of the Standing Committee of the Vietnam Journalists Association, General Director of Vietnam News Agency:

Many works demonstrate the dedication and commitment of reporters.

In reports, interviews, and through images of work at home or abroad in the works participating in this year's National Press Awards, we see a common point that the authors of the most excellent works are those who are always present in time and record important events, hot spots of security and order; pursue and find solutions to many problems of social life and especially reflect the outstanding efforts of the entire political system in a year when Vietnam had to face many "headwinds".

Investigative reports are always the most challenging for journalists. Although there are not many entries to the competition, the quality is guaranteed, demonstrating the dedication of the reporters. Journalism has never been less dangerous. In the context of the current information explosion, journalists face more and more difficulties, and have to set themselves more and more challenges to create truly good, truly unique, "one-of-a-kind" products. Only then can the press anchor itself in the hearts of readers and stand firm in the whirlwind of information.

To do that, reporters must be more proactive in their work, more astute in identifying problems, which also means facing greater risks for themselves. Discovering topics, selecting current and hot topics and pursuing and sticking to them, skillfully exploiting the core values of the topic, having a tight visual mindset, especially in the digital age where there is no room for superficial reporting, are major criteria for the jury members to award prizes.

In the A-prize works, journalists have worked very hard, spending a lot of time researching documents and locations, not afraid of hardship, even not afraid of danger to their lives. The results of those tireless efforts and dedication are high-quality journalistic products, affirming the mission and role of journalism as a powerful tool that contributes significantly to the cause of building and defending the Fatherland.

Journalist To Phan - Member of the Standing Committee of the Vietnam Journalists Association, Chairman of the Hanoi Journalists Association, Editor-in-Chief of Citizens & Encouragement of Learning Magazine:

Realistic topics meet public expectations

The National Press Awards honor the noble values of journalists, their responsible, quality, effective and lasting contributions, demonstrating the important position and role of journalism in the spiritual life of the people and the social life of the country.

Journalism is a very proud and respected profession, although it has to face many difficulties, challenges, hardships, and temptations, many journalists still uphold their sense of responsibility, enthusiasm, and passion for the profession to produce good, quality, and meaningful works for society. It can be said that journalism is the first "draft" of history.

With that mission, tens of thousands of reporters and journalists across the country are accompanying the events every day and every hour, to the end of the truth to convey to the public in the most timely and attractive way the information and issues that public opinion is interested in. Through hard work, risking their lives, working seriously and constantly being creative, reporters and journalists have produced journalistic works, raising hot issues, awakening public authorities, creating humane values; actively fighting against bad habits, vices, signs of moral and lifestyle degradation, etc.

This year, I highly appreciate the work of the Journalist & Public Opinion Newspaper with a series of articles about the “disabilities” of some journalists, a topic that we have long ignored, demonstrating the author’s boldness in reflecting the hidden corners of the profession. This year’s works have applied new technology in modern journalism, the topics are close to reality, meeting the expectations of readers, viewers and listeners.

The gap between central and local press works has narrowed considerably, with many local press works standing out. As a judge who has participated in judging the awards for many years, I am very satisfied with the quality of this year's works. We had to consider and discuss very carefully to score and select the works to award.

Ha Van - Hoa Giang

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/giai-bao-chi-quoc-gia-lan-thu-xviii-ung-dung-cong-nghe-lam-bao-hien-dai-truyen-tai-noi-dung-hap-dan-post299576.html