Remembering the days of working as a journalist

Ms. Nguyen Hong Tham captured a memorable moment with her former colleagues on this meaningful day – marking the milestone of the merger of Ca Mau Newspaper and Ca Mau Radio and Television Station.

Ms. Nguyen Hong Tham, Deputy Head of the Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department of the Provincial Party Committee: Unforgettable memories.

Although she left professional journalism many years ago, for Ms. Nguyen Hong Tham, Deputy Head of the Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department of the Ca Mau Provincial Party Committee, memories of her time as a reporter and editor at Ca Mau Radio and Television Station are still as vivid as yesterday. Field trips, nights spent preparing programs throughout Tet (Lunar New Year), and emotional moments when her reports were honored... all are beautiful memories in her journey of growth.

Every June 21st, her mind is filled with memories. “When I think back to my time as a journalist, my first feeling is gratitude!” she shared. Because the journalistic environment was where she began her career, where she learned, experienced, and honed her skills. For her, it was “a time of youthful passion,” and no matter what position she holds, the memories of her journalistic career remain something to be proud of.

Six years working at Ca Mau Radio and Television Station wasn't a very long time, but it was enough for Ms. Tham to leave a deep professional mark, among which the documentary "Concerns about Ferry Trips" stands out. She recounts that this was the work that moved her the most, because the subjects of the documentary were students in the riverside area of Ngoc Hien district who faced the risk of dropping out of school simply because they couldn't afford the ferry fare. The documentary was short but full of emotion, and fortunately, it earned her a Gold Medal at the National Television Festival. But what she cherishes even more is that this work contributed to "knocking on the door" of policy, spreading humanitarian values, and thus became part of the material that led to the policy of building 1,588 rural traffic bridges 15 years ago.

Now, the province's two media outlets have officially merged into the Ca Mau Newspaper and Radio and Television Station. In her role as Deputy Head of the Provincial Party Committee's Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department, Ms. Tham believes in and hopes for a new phase of development where print, television, online media, and social networks will blend into a stronger and more modern unified entity.

She believes the merger is a strategic shift, in line with the trend of developing lean, multi-platform journalism. However, the road ahead is not necessarily easy. Today's journalists must adapt more quickly and learn more skills, from writing, filming, and editing to interacting and disseminating information on social media. "But if we maintain our passion, our resilience, and our eagerness to learn, this is not just a challenge, but a golden opportunity for Ca Mau journalism to assert its position in the new era," Nguyen Hong Tham confidently stated.

Although he no longer works in journalism, the awards he received on June 21st are a great motivation for Lam Phu Huu (center) to continue striving and contributing.

Mr. Nguyen Chi Hai, Deputy Director of ICOGroup's Ca Mau branch: Nostalgia for the time spent working in journalism.

It's been almost two years since he left Ca Mau Radio and Television Station, but every June 21st, Nguyen Chi Hai feels a surge of indescribable emotions. He misses his job but also feels proud of having been involved in such a meaningful work, a place that gave him not only valuable experiences but also love and support from colleagues and people everywhere.

For Hai, 17 years working at Ca Mau Radio and Television Station was an unforgettable period. From his early days as a reporter and editor to taking on various other roles, he traveled to countless regions, documenting hundreds of stories from the grassroots, accompanying individuals through their lives and destinies. These journeys gave him not only skills and experience, but more importantly, profound and insightful life lessons. “Being on screen, talking to people through the airwaves, traveling and understanding… I consider that a great blessing in my life. Although I no longer work in the same profession, I still have a special affection for journalism and for my former workplace: Ca Mau Radio and Television Station,” Hai shared emotionally.

Among countless memories of his career, Mr. Hai always speaks of the "Safe and Secure Home" program with pride. It's not just a reality TV show; it's also where he and his colleagues use their pens and cameras to connect with people, helping those in need find a place to live. He recounts: "From my visits to various locations, witnessing people living in dilapidated houses, suffering from illness and poverty... I was deeply concerned. Then 'Safe and Secure Home' was born. The program not only helps build houses but also provides people with capital for medical treatment, starting businesses, and overcoming adversity. It's a brainchild that I will cherish forever."

With the support of his agency and colleagues, the program continued to be maintained and developed, bringing joy to many families. This is the "sweet reward" after days of enduring the sun and rain, and also a profound mark that Hai has left on his career as a journalist.

Although he no longer works in journalism, the awards he received on June 21st are a great motivation for Lam Phu Huu (center) to continue striving and contributing.

Mr. Lam Phu Huu, Specialist in the People's Council Affairs Department, Office of the Provincial National Assembly Delegation and People's Council: Journalism remains in my heart.

Just like Ms. Tham and Mr. Hai, every time June 21st comes around, Mr. Lam Phu Huu, a former reporter for Ca Mau Newspaper (previously a reporter for Dat Mui Photo Newspaper, before the two newspapers merged), is overwhelmed with emotion. "My heart feels light, as if something sacred is returning. Over 15 years of dedication, journalism has shaped me into the person I am today, giving me life experience, resilience, and paving the way for good things in life," he shared.

Looking back on his time as a journalist, what remains in his memory is not the awards or professional glory, but the journeys, the people, the unfortunate lives connected with philanthropists through columns such as: "Bridge of Compassion," "Safe Home," "Aspiration for Life"...

In his memory, the 2009 rainy season assignment, when he first helped a family acquire a house and business capital thanks to an article published in the Dat Mui Photo Newspaper, was the turning point that led him to deeply engage in charitable programs. From then on, his love for his profession, his compassion for the people, and his sense of community responsibility grew stronger with each assignment.

For Mr. Huu, journalism is not only "the secretary of the times," but also a bridge connecting people with love. Although he no longer writes directly, he still feels troubled and remorseful for not being able to help more people in need. "I hope that these humane columns will be expanded further, so that more people will know and more people will be helped," he confided.

With deep respect for journalism and drawing from his own years in the profession, he sincerely shared with young people pursuing a career in writing and photography: "Just go, just observe, just feel, and just write a lot. Live your life to the fullest in this profession, give everything you can. Dedication and kindness are always the most deserving rewards that journalism will give you."

Performed by Bang Thanh

Source: https://baocamau.vn/nho-nhung-ngay-lam-bao-a39679.html