Over 100 years of construction and development (1925-2025 ) , the revolutionary press of Vietnam has been forged and strengthened by pioneering and steadfast writers – veteran journalists who have made immense contributions to the nation's revolutionary cause. They are the ones who "use the pen as a weapon, the paper as a trench," as President Ho Chi Minh taught. Each has their own journey and contribution, but all are shining examples of political acumen, patriotism, and social responsibility, contributing to the glorious tradition of the revolutionary press of Vietnam.
Patriotic intellectual and courageous journalist Huynh Thuc Khang
Journalist Huynh Thuc Khang (1876-1947), whose real name was Huynh Van Thuoc, was born in Thach Binh village, Tien Canh commune, Tien Phuoc district, Quang Nam province. He was one of the prominent patriotic intellectuals and one of the first revolutionary journalists in Vietnam. He passed the Imperial Examination (Third Class Doctorate) during the Nguyen Dynasty but resolutely refused to become an official, dedicating himself to the struggle against colonialism and for national independence.
 As a prominent intellectual, Mr. Huynh Thuc Khang chose journalism as a sharp weapon to encourage patriotism and awaken national spirit. In 1927, he founded and directly served as the editor-in-chief of Tieng Dan (Voice of the People) newspaper – the first political newspaper in the national language and a highly influential publication in Central Vietnam before the August Revolution. During its 16 years of existence (1927-1943), with 1,766 issues published, Tieng Dan played a crucial role in nurturing patriotism, self-reliance, and resistance against the colonial regime, serving as a powerful "voice" of the nation amidst the long night of slavery. Mr. Huynh Thuc Khang was a journalist who dedicated his heart and integrity to his work. Despite numerous censorship and threats from the colonial authorities, he resolutely maintained his stance: "Either publish the text exactly as it is, or discard it; not a single word will be changed." For him, journalism was not just about conveying information, but a political act, a demonstration of the spirit of a patriotic intellectual who would not submit to tyranny or compromise with violence. After the August Revolution of 1945, President Ho Chi Minh invited him to join the Provisional Government, where he served as Minister of the Interior and later as Acting President of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam while President Ho Chi Minh was in France. In that position, he always maintained his upright character, integrity, honesty, and dedication to the people. |
He passed away on April 21, 1947, while serving as a special envoy of the Government working at the Southern Central Resistance Administrative Committee based in Nghia Hanh, Quang Ngai province. In the letter announcing the state funeral of Mr. Huynh Thuc Khang, President Ho Chi Minh wrote: “Mr. Huynh was a man of vast learning, unwavering determination, and high moral character… Throughout his life, Mr. Huynh only strived for the people's freedom and the nation's independence.”
Because of these great qualities, in 1949, President Ho Chi Minh and the Central Committee of the Party decided to name the first journalism school during the resistance war the Huynh Thuc Khang Journalism School ( located in Bo Ra hamlet, Tan Thai commune, Dai Tu district, Thai Nguyen province) as a way of showing gratitude and inheriting the revolutionary journalistic spirit of an exemplary patriot and journalist.
The first president of the Vietnam Journalists Association
In the flow of the history of Vietnamese revolutionary journalism, journalist Xuan Thuy is a prominent figure, who not only left a strong mark with his insightful articles and profound strategic thinking, but also as a talented journalistic organizer, laying the foundation for the solid development of Vietnamese revolutionary journalism from the early days of seizing power and throughout the two great wars of national resistance.
Journalist Xuân Thủy, whose real name was Nguyễn Trọng Nhâm, was born in 1912 into a patriotic scholarly family in Hòe Thị village, Phương Canh commune, Hoài Đức district, Hà Đông province (now Phương Canh ward, Nam Từ Liêm district, Hanoi). From a young age, Xuân Thủy was enlightened by revolutionary ideals, participating in the patriotic movement and being imprisoned by the enemy in Hỏa Lò prison. In 1939, he was arrested a second time and exiled to Sơn La prison. In the harsh prison environment, Xuân Thủy maintained his communist integrity, studying Marxist-Leninist theory while simultaneously writing revolutionary propaganda articles. There, he and other revolutionary fighters founded Suối Reo – the first prison newspaper, demonstrating the enduring vitality and unwavering spirit of revolutionary journalism in all circumstances.
From 1944, journalist Xuan Thuy was appointed Editor-in-Chief of the Viet Minh's Cuu Quoc newspaper. He led the newspaper and was also its main writer, using many pseudonyms such as Chu Lang, Tat Thang, Ngo Tat Thang, etc. Under the leadership of Editor-in-Chief Xuan Thuy, Cuu Quoc became the largest and most influential newspaper in the country at that time, a leading flag on the ideological front, a banner for mobilizing the masses, and making a great contribution to the success of the August Revolution and to the cause of resistance and national reconstruction. Journalist Xuan Thuy also presided over the merger of Cuu Quoc and Giai Phong newspapers, renaming the newspaper "Dai Doan Ket" (Great Unity).
Following the August Revolution, journalist Xuan Thuy organized and directed the establishment of many major national press and media agencies in the early days of independence, such as the Voice of Vietnam Radio (September 7, 1945) and the Vietnam News Agency (September 15, 1945), laying the foundation for a revolutionary press system that operated synchronously, effectively, and widely.
In 1949, journalist Xuan Thuy organized the Huynh Thuc Khang School of Journalism in the Viet Bac war zone – the first journalism training course of the Vietnamese revolution, contributing to the training of journalists who possessed both political acumen and professional skills, becoming journalist-soldiers on the ideological and cultural front. In 1950, he was also entrusted by the Central Committee of the Party to direct the establishment of the Association of Vietnamese Writers, now the Vietnam Journalists Association, and served as its president from its founding until 1962.
Beyond being a journalist, Xuan Thuy was also an outstanding leader and diplomat. As the head of the negotiating delegation of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam at the Paris Conference (1968-1973), he skillfully applied his political acumen, strategic thinking, and journalistic experience to conduct diplomatic efforts, mobilize international public opinion, and garner support for the cause of national liberation and reunification. Later, he continued to hold many important positions in the Party and State, including Deputy Prime Minister.
Leading literary theorist
Journalist Hoang Tung, former Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and Head of the Central Propaganda Department, was one of the leading theoretical writers of revolutionary Vietnamese journalism. Throughout more than 60 years of writing, he left a profound mark on the history of Vietnamese journalism with his sharp intellect, unwavering political acumen, and dedication to his profession.
Born in 1920 in Ha Nam province, journalist Hoang Tung, originally a teacher in Nam Dinh, joined the revolution early on and was arrested and imprisoned by the French colonialists, being held in various prisons such as Hoa Lo (Hanoi) and Son La (1940-1944). It was in these prisons that he began learning journalism under the guidance of journalist Tran Huy Lieu and published his first articles in the newspaper Suoi Reo (1943-1944).
After the August Revolution, journalist Hoang Tung held many positions at the Hanoi City Party Committee, wrote for the newspaper Kien Thiet, and then worked for the newspaper Dan Chu in Hai Phong. From 1948, he went to the Viet Bac resistance zone, serving as editor-in-chief of theoretical magazines, and then became the editor-in-chief of the newspaper Su That in 1950 - the predecessor of Nhan Dan newspaper. From 1954 to 1982, he held the position of Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan newspaper, contributing to shaping the style of the Party's political commentary, which was sharp, combative, and deeply theoretical.
Journalist Hoang Tung was the author of thousands of editorials and political commentaries of epochal significance. During the resistance war against the US, his writings were truly a "battle cry," rich in imagery, sharp language, and rigorous argumentation, deeply moving people. From action movements like "Dai Phong," "Duyen Hai," "3 Ready," and "3 Capable," to pressing international issues, his writings were insightful, clearly oriented, and attracted attention from both domestic and international audiences. Many of his articles were likened to "new manifestos," such as the editorial "Nixon Doctrine Will Definitely Fail," which criticized major powers negotiating at the expense of smaller nations, affirming the righteous strength of the Vietnamese people and the power of the era of national independence struggle. The Nixon Doctrine, however cunning, was bound to fail, and the Vietnamese people were certain to win.
Not only a theoretical writer, journalist Hoang Tung was also an outstanding media organizer. For nearly 30 years as Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan newspaper, he contributed to building and developing a team of revolutionary journalists, discovering and nurturing young writers, and directing the newspaper to delve into the realities of life, vividly reflecting the pulse of the revolutionary cause.
Besides writing for newspapers, he was also the editor of important Party documents such as the Political Report at the 3rd Congress (1960) and the 6th Congress (1986), and wrote biographies of many high-ranking leaders such as General Secretaries: Tran Phu, Ha Huy Tap, Nguyen Van Cu, Le Duan, Truong Chinh, Nguyen Van Linh, Pham Van Dong…
Journalist Hoang Tung passed away in 2010 at the age of 90. His life was a symbol of dedication, courage, and intelligence, a shining example of a true revolutionary journalist.
A journalist with "sharp eyes, a pure heart, and a keen pen."
Journalist Nguyen Huu Tho (1932-2015) was one of the most prominent and dedicated writers of Vietnamese revolutionary journalism, with nearly 60 years of writing experience. He held many important positions, including Member of the Central Committee of the Party, Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan newspaper, and Head of the Central Committee's Ideology and Culture Department. Through these roles, he made significant contributions to shaping the ideology and developing revolutionary journalism in Vietnam.
Coming from a humble background as a "backpacking, barefoot" reporter, journalist Huu Tho always delved deep into the lives of the people, listening, observing, and truthfully reflecting the various facets of society, especially negative issues such as corruption, bureaucracy, and waste – painful "diseases" affecting the country's development. He was renowned for his sharp, straightforward writing style, contributing to a powerful voice in journalistic forums fighting for social integrity.
Not only was journalist Huu Tho a keen writer, but he was also a dedicated and passionate mentor to many generations of young journalists. He compiled many valuable works, including the book series "Bright Eyes, Pure Heart, Sharp Pen," which has become a standard of ethics and journalistic skills for all generations of journalists. Through these works, he emphasized three core elements that a journalist must possess: accurate vision (bright eyes), integrity and ethics (pure heart), and sharpness in writing (sharp pen). This is also the "original instinct" of a seasoned writer, demonstrating the spirit of daring to look directly at social truth.
The National Political Publishing House has published and reprinted 11 of his important works many times, contributing valuable resources to journalism students, young journalists, and interested readers. Books such as "Green Light, Red Light" share experiences in media management and professional practice; "Dialogue" compiles interviews and debates on many pressing social issues; "The Love of the Pen and Ink" is a profound tribute to colleagues and friends who have accompanied him on his journalistic journey; and "Stories of Home, Stories of the Nation" is a collection of essays rich in humanistic values, reflecting social changes during the reform period.
He was also one of the pioneering writers who supported reform policies, leading the way in criticizing the negative aspects of the market economy, thereby contributing to raising awareness in the fight against corruption, waste, and bureaucracy. Under his masterful pen, negative phenomena were thoroughly dissected with a gentle, intimate, and insightful writing style, yet equally sharp and subtly satirical, creating empathy and awakening readers.
Journalist Huu Tho passed away in 2015, leaving behind a vast and valuable legacy for Vietnam's revolutionary press. He was not only a tenacious fighting journalist, but also an exemplary model of professional ethics, conscience, and social responsibility. His works and ideas continue to inspire and encourage today's generation of journalists to maintain integrity and honesty, contributing to building a clean and strong revolutionary press that accompanies the country's development.
These are just four of the many exemplary revolutionary journalists. They were not only witnesses to the times, but also writers of history with their pens and ideals. From their dedicated and passionate writings, the flame of journalism has been preserved and spread through generations. Today, the journalistic community continues on that path – loyal to the ideals, committed to the people, and constantly innovating to live up to the glorious 100-year tradition of Vietnamese revolutionary journalism.
Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/nhung-nha-bao-cach-vang-tieu-bieu-3361330.html
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