A treasure trove of journalism and a lifetime of keeping the passion alive.

I was overwhelmed by the press archive room, a precious "treasure trove" of journalist Truong Thanh Nha - former Editor-in-Chief of Kien Giang Newspaper, former Chairman of the Kien Giang Provincial Journalists Association (1992 - 2007). That small room contained stories of his life and career spanning many generations and periods of his journalistic career, marked by ups and downs.

Journalist Truong Thanh Nha next to a valuable "treasure trove". Photo: GIA KHANH

"Fortunately, in my journalistic career, despite the fierce bombing and the frequent relocation of the office, I still managed to keep some resistance newspapers and newspapers from the provinces and cities of the Mekong Delta. I remember it so well! I remember a time when there was no salary, but there was an abundance of bombs and bullets," journalist Truong Thanh Nha began his story with that sentiment.

The saying "the profession chooses the person" is very true for him. His journey into journalism began quite early, while he was still in the sixth grade (now junior high school). Following his father to the Vinh Tien hamlet base in Vinh Hoa commune, he was exposed to information and propaganda work starting from very small tasks, and gradually received formal training. Step by step, he learned the trade, practiced it, and then, when he became proficient, passed on his passion to the next generation… half a century has passed in the blink of an eye. Putting aside the years spent fighting on the battlefield, he can never forget the yellowed manuscripts, the diligent handwriting, and the news reports he delivered to the public at all costs.

Every Tet holiday season, the staff of the Press and Information Subcommittee focus on the content and format of the Tet newspaper. This is a collective effort, a spiritual gift to cadres, soldiers, and the people during the spring and Tet holiday. “From the very beginning, the comrades in the Editorial Board brainstormed, prepared plans, and discussed them collectively; specific tasks were assigned to each reporter. The atmosphere of making the Tet newspaper was truly vibrant and exciting,” he recalled.

He was impressed by the newspaper published before liberation, under the name "Victory" in the Spring of 1974. With only 12 pages, measuring 30 x 40 cm, and a circulation of 5,000 copies, the newspaper was imbued with a vibrant spirit of offensive action, the resolute defense of the liberated areas by the people and soldiers of Rach Gia, the punishment of the enemy for violating the Paris Agreement, and the many victories achieved in the new year. Page 3 featured a New Year's greeting card from President Ton Duc Thang: "Happy New Year! / The whole country united, enthusiastically moving forward! / Strive to compete and fulfill all tasks in the new phase!" For journalist Truong Thanh Nha, the spring newspaper during the resistance war against the US was an indispensable source of spiritual nourishment during the Tet holiday. The newspaper brought joy, excitement, and optimism for a victorious tomorrow.

“Being a reporter during the resistance war required extreme sensitivity, energy, and creativity. When we encountered enemy raids or victories, big or small, our troops would seize the opportunity to meet with leaders, prominent figures, and local people to report on them immediately. Even after peace was restored , the reporting process was still very difficult. Each person would find their own boat and row to cover assignments, stopping at shore whenever they got tired. The payment wasn't much, only the joy of having our articles published,” Mr. Nha recalled.

Emerging from hardship, generations of journalists like him carefully managed their resources and dedication, developing their profession to the point where they could "make a living" from it, and the journalistic profession's position became even more strongly recognized in society. In 1986, in harmony with the country's reform atmosphere, journalists in the province also changed their journalistic methods, increasing to two issues per week and adding a Sunday edition. The lives of journalists became less arduous, allowing them to focus on their profession. At that time, content about security, social order, artists, and making friends from all over the world became popular, becoming a widely enjoyed source of intellectual nourishment for readers near and far.

Another spring newspaper season has arrived. Amidst the fast-paced, technologically advanced rhythm of modern journalism, journalist Truong Thanh Nha's newspaper archives serve as a precious haven of tranquility. There, each old newspaper is not only a historical document but also a vivid memory of a generation of dedicated journalists who wrote with responsibility, faith, and even blood and sacrifice. He turns through the pages of old newspapers as if searching for the past. He remembers the martyred journalists Nguyen Van Duc, Hoang Hao, Ai Dan, Bay Tran, Ba Trung, Ho Chau, Bay Ve, Bay Truyen, Tu Xuan… who bravely sacrificed themselves for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland, leaving behind works for posterity.

In passing on his message to the next generation, journalist Truong Thanh Nha expressed: "Although journalistic methods have changed rapidly, the most important thing that cannot change is professional ethics. The foundation of the profession, the purity of heart and the sharpness of a journalist, must never fade." We would never forget that advice, because "if the heart is not pure," the pen cannot be sharp—that's for sure!

GIA KHANH

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/kho-tang-bao-chi-and-a-lifetime-of-preserving-the-art-a474418.html