Journalist Ho Xuan Son:

Ho Xuan Son is one of the prominent figures in Vietnamese revolutionary journalism. As both a journalist and a researcher, he braved the flames of war during the fierce fighting, was present with the liberation army on the "great victory day"—spring of 1975—and forged his talented writing style across many fields and genres.

Journalist Ho Xuan Son looked directly at the harsh nature of journalism with two concepts: "The journalistic profession" and "The editor-in-chief profession"... And in his role as the head of the Hanoi Party newspaper, he left an indelible mark by leading Hanoi Moi to rise amidst the country's renewal with many outstanding successes.

A refined and talented journalist.

Ho Xuan Son was one of the few journalists who received formal training and possessed extensive professional experience. He graduated from the Faculty of Literature at the University of Hanoi, studied at the Nguyen Ai Quoc Academy, and earned a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the AON Higher School of the Communist Party in the former Soviet Union. He served as a resident correspondent in Nam Dinh during the intense American bombing of North Vietnam, led a frontline reporting team, followed the Ho Chi Minh Campaign, and was present at the Independence Palace on the evening of April 30, 1975, the day of national joy. He simultaneously worked as a journalist, researcher, and lecturer. His time at school and his time on the battlefield shaped Ho Xuan Son's unique journalistic style.

Those who interacted with him were often captivated by the refined demeanor of a man rich in knowledge and experience. Not overly familiar in a family-like way, he maintained a distance that was both polite and unpretentious. Those who worked directly with journalist Ho Xuan Son sensed his serious attitude, a reminder to strive for self-improvement and greater attention to detail.

With his unique exploratory abilities, journalist Ho Xuan Son always sought out new things and discovered new talents. He was one of the first to introduce the "child prodigy" Tran Dang Khoa with his pure, innocent yet profound poetry, like that of a philosopher. He also discovered and wrote about Vuong Dinh Cung, the only son of the Secretary of the Hung Yen Provincial Party Committee, a "Pavel Corsaghin" full of ambition and ideals, the pride of the young people of North Vietnam during the resistance war against the US... Along with his "timeless" works in various journalistic genres, in his capacity as a researcher and journalist, Ho Xuan Son looked directly at the harsh nature of journalism with the two concepts of "Journalism" and "Editor-in-Chief," providing much food for thought for many generations of writers and managers of media organizations.

Understanding both the profession and life, journalist Ho Xuan Son respected the individuality and style of his colleagues, allowing each to showcase their strengths on every page. Under his leadership, Hanoi Moi newspaper brought together many talented and equally sharp-witted journalists such as Tran Chien, Nguyen Trieu, Vuong Thuc, Vuong Tam, Cam Binh, Nguyen Ngoc Tien... It was they who created the style and prestige of Hanoi Moi newspaper in the hearts of readers during the đổi mới (renovation) period.

Selected by Editor-in-Chief Ho Xuan Son when the senior generation was at the peak of their careers, he was a refined, enthusiastic leader who, above all, was willing to go the extra mile and take full responsibility for his colleagues' work. This was truly a great source of strength for young journalists to confidently move forward on a path that is both proud and challenging.

A prime example is the series of investigative articles published in late 1996 and early 1997 by journalist Nguyen Trieu, Head of the Hanoi Moi Sunday section, exposing negative practices at Vietnam Airlines. The company reacted strongly to the shocking information, suing Hanoi Moi newspaper and the authors. The atmosphere at the agency was tense, with much discussion and speculation. Editor-in-Chief Ho Xuan Son worked alongside his colleagues, gathering evidence and preparing to face trial and take responsibility as the head of the organization. Ultimately, the truth prevailed among the honest journalists. This case serves as a valuable lesson for many journalists, essential for the current fight against corruption, negative practices, and waste.

The hallmarks of new thinking

The winds of change brought new opportunities, but navigating the turbulent market was not simple, especially for local newspapers. Based on the observation: “Local newspapers directly influence the thoughts and feelings of the local people, delving into specific groups, from local customs to traditions. Therefore, if the newspaper performs its function well, it will make a significant contribution to encouraging and motivating the revolutionary movement of the masses, becoming a close spiritual friend of Party members and the people…”, Editor-in-Chief Ho Xuan Son and his colleagues gradually shaped Hanoi Moi Newspaper amidst the challenges posed by the changing times.

A significant milestone in Editor-in-Chief Ho Xuan Son's reform efforts was the launch of two new publications (April 2, 1995). The Hanoi Moi Weekend newspaper, rich in cultural content and embodying the spirit of Thang Long - Hanoi, featured increasingly prominent content on literature, art, fashion, and more, in addition to its millennia-old cultural heritage. Hanoi Moi Sunday (launched in April 1989) returned to its true meaning as a daily newspaper, transitioning to a new style closely reflecting the multifaceted aspects of socio-economic life. And, the monthly Hanoi Today, brimming with stories to explore and contemplate, solidified its unique position within the Hanoi Moi publication system.

Along with "A Story a Day," which has become a beloved feature for readers, HanoiMoi newspaper has launched a series of special sections: "Through the Villages," "Customs and Traditions of the Countryside," "Hanoi Miscellaneous Essays," "Life's Riddles," "Sunday Off," "Forum for Building the Capital," "Our Hanoi People," "Enjoying Art," etc., attracting the participation and collaboration of researchers, experts, artists, and the interest and affection of readers nationwide.

Having escaped the subsidized system, bureaucracy, stagnation, negativity, and rampant corruption, under the leadership of Editor-in-Chief Ho Xuan Son, Hanoi Moi newspaper was quick to respond with bold headlines such as: "The city implements a plan to fight corruption," "Hanoi Customs combats smuggling and implements Directive 278." Then there was the column "What to do to fight corruption," which continuously published articles discussing economic management... There were also direct questions addressed, such as whether the fight against corruption should only be "washed from the shoulders down" or whether "no level or sector is spared." And with sharp, uninhibited articles against negativity like "Respectfully forwarded to Party A," "Let's fly high,"... Hanoi Moi affirmed its capacity and position within the ranks of revolutionary journalism.

Through its journalistic works closely connected to the life of the capital city and imbued with the social responsibility of a Party newspaper, HanoiMoi has become closer to and left a deep impression on its readers.

With a broad vision, and having opened a representative office in Ho Chi Minh City, reaching southward, Editor-in-Chief Ho Xuan Son focused on connecting with local Party newspapers such as Saigon Giai Phong, Thua Thien - Hue, and Hai Phong, creating more room and opportunities for development in both professional and economic aspects of journalism. Increased circulation and flexible advertising activities brought in significant revenue, and for journalists in the Hanoi Moi newspaper community, the days of struggling to make ends meet have faded into the past.

It can certainly be said that, with his powerful energy, Editor-in-Chief Ho Xuan Son has left his mark on many areas of journalism and in the hearts of his colleagues.
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This content uses material from colleagues.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/nha-bao-ho-xuan-son-nguoi-thoi-lan-gio-moi-cho-bao-dang-thu-do-705788.html