Completing the legal framework for essential radio and television channels.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced the issuance of Circular 17/2025/TT-BVHTTDL, which stipulates the list of radio and television channels and programs serving essential political and informational propaganda tasks at the national and local levels. The issuance of this Circular aims to meet the requirements of innovation and adapt to the rapid development of the press and media; while ensuring that essential information on the Party's guidelines, policies, and laws of the State is fully and accurately conveyed to the people.

Hanoi Radio and Television Station produces and broadcasts educational programs on television. Photo: Thanh Tung/TTXVN.

According to the Circular, radio and television channels identified as essential at the national level must meet several criteria, first and foremost being belonging to a licensed broadcasting or television media agency; having a clear mission and purpose; and prioritizing general news and political content or special features on politics, national defense and security, ethnicity, and foreign affairs.

Regarding broadcast time: National radio channels must broadcast a minimum of 17 hours per day, including at least 10 hours of original productions and at least 4 hours of newly produced programs. National television channels, broadcasting 24 hours a day, must have a minimum of 10 hours of original productions, including at least 5 hours of newly produced programs. These regulations aim to enhance the use of original content, ensuring accuracy, proper guidance, and the social responsibility of media organizations.

Local radio channels must broadcast a minimum of 14 hours per day; at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of original production and 1 hour and 30 minutes of newly produced content. Local television channels must broadcast a minimum of 15 hours per day; at least 3 hours of original content, including at least 2 hours of new programs. These criteria contribute to improving the quality of information and strengthening the role of local media in socio-economic development.

The list of essential national radio channels includes 3 channels: News (VOV1), Ethnic Radio Channel (VOV4), and National Foreign Affairs Channel (VOV5), all belonging to the Voice of Vietnam.

Locally, there are 34 channels belonging to the newspapers and radio-television broadcasters of the provinces and cities. The list of essential television channels at the national and local levels has a corresponding number of channels.

The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism has the right to adjust the list according to the requirements of the propaganda tasks in each stage. In cases where a channel changes its name but its function and tasks remain unchanged and it still meets the criteria, the new name as stated in the operating license will be recognized.

The circular also clearly defines the responsibilities of broadcast and pay-TV service providers and press agencies. Press agencies with channels included in the essential category must maintain stable operations, ensuring adherence to the prescribed principles, content, and duration; and simultaneously provide high-quality signal sources to transmission units.

At the local level, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism (or Department of Culture and Sports) performs the function of state management over the provision of essential channels on the broadcast and paid radio and television system.

This Circular takes effect from January 23, 2026. Circular No. 18/2016/TT-BTTTT dated June 28, 2016, issued by the Minister of Information and Communications, stipulating the list of television channels serving essential political and informational propaganda tasks of the nation and localities, ceases to be effective from the date this Circular comes into force.

The new circular is considered a significant step forward in perfecting the legal framework for broadcasting activities; contributing to ensuring the continuous and timely transmission of official information; improving the quality of self-produced content; creating uniformity in the transmission system from the central to local levels; and increasing people's access to essential information. This reflects the State's determination to enhance the role of the press and media in shaping public opinion, promoting socio-economic development, and ensuring national defense and security in the new era.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/hoan-thien-khung-phap-ly-cho-kenh-phat-thanh-truyen-hinh-thiet-yeu-20251211185837455.htm