Journalism and the spirit of dedication

Committed to truth and justice.

In an era of "information overload" fueled by the proliferation of social media platforms, journalists must be even more committed to upholding the "flame of truth." This commitment is not only geographically driven but also encompasses unwavering professional ethics, a willingness to face pressure and even risks to protect the core values of genuine journalism: honesty, objectivity, fairness, and humanity.

A reporter from Bac Kan Newspaper is on-site while covering a story in the Truong Sa archipelago.

There were some perilous reporting trips, such as when reporters were working in the flood-stricken area of Ba Be Lake, from Pac Ngoi village to the border of Quang Khe commune during Typhoon Yagi ( Typhoon No. 3) at the end of 2024. When the floodwaters rose, many houses were submerged, leaving only their roofs exposed. The reporters had to travel with a local resident on a small tin boat with wooden oars, bobbing on the water. The boat rocked violently, at times seemingly on the verge of capsizing. Even so, I had to hold my camera steady to capture precious moments, while maintaining my balance to avoid falling into the water. Ultimately, we managed to capture images of people in dire straits, lacking essential supplies… to share with readers near and far.

Reporters from Bac Kan Newspaper documented the actual situation at the scene of the Năng River bank erosion based on feedback from local residents.

Following reports from residents of Duc Van commune regarding the Cao Bac Private Enterprise's illegal dumping, smelting, and recycling of lead ore and burning of copper wires, which caused environmental pollution, we conducted an investigation. We visited the site but were obstructed by two security guards who used vulgar language and even threatened us. They stated, "Journalists should write about exemplary cases and not harass businesses that are producing goods for the benefit of the local community."

Faced with that tense situation, we employed professional methods to remotely record footage and gather information from workers after their shifts. Despite the inherent dangers, we completed the article with all the necessary data, which was published, and subsequently, the authorities intervened to handle the situation.

Reporters from Bac Kan Newspaper working in the flooded Ba Be area at the end of 2024.

It can be said that journalism is a profession under great pressure, in a context where information must always be new, timely, closely aligned with reality, and, most importantly, truthful. The dedication of journalists today remains a guiding light on their professional journey, with the responsibility of protecting the ideological foundation of the Party, defending the socialist regime, and serving the community and the people.

Many articles, based on reader feedback regarding land and environmental issues, have been published by Bac Kan Newspaper, prompting relevant authorities to take action and resolve them. Examples include: "Buying land from a company and a promise never fulfilled," "Residents petition for prompt resolution of landslides encroaching on people's homes," "The petition of 59 households in Dong Luong is being comprehensively and thoroughly considered," and "One household claims to have faced difficulties in obtaining a land use right certificate." Residents have expressed satisfaction after their issues were resolved. The work of Bac Kan Newspaper has contributed to these positive outcomes.

The spirit of commitment in the new era

In this new era – an era of national resurgence – we, journalists, are even more aware of our responsibility to innovate alongside the country, to improve our professional skills and journalistic abilities, and to be ready to be present where the people need us, on the front lines of natural disasters, epidemics, wars, or in remote areas. Today's journalists are likened to "soldiers without weapons," constantly facing pressure and danger to promptly reflect the truth and provide an honest and objective voice to our readers.

Today, journalists work not only with pens and audio recorders, but also need to master technology, embrace digital transformation, livestream from the scene, and create content across multiple platforms. While tools may change, the spirit of dedication remains at its core. This includes being sensitive to current events, daring to innovate, mastering the digital space, while always maintaining integrity and professional ethics.

Modern journalists not only engage in fieldwork but also in cyberspace – where the lines between right and wrong, truth and falsehood, are increasingly blurred. Faced with conflicting information flows, this engagement is demonstrated through the courage to fight against falsehood, defend what is right, guide public opinion, and strengthen trust in society.

We understand that dedication is the "soul" of journalism – from the war correspondents of previous generations to today's young reporters. Many journalistic works have stood the test of time. That is why each work should not only report the news, but also evoke emotions, inspire action, and contribute to social progress. In the ever-changing flow of the times, I believe that, through their dedication, journalists will always stand alongside the people, continuing to produce truthful articles, contributing to the protection of justice, and spreading goodness to readers.

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