Half a century of "lighting the fire" and "keeping the fire burning"

Fifty years ago today, the Dak Lak Newspaper published its first issue (January 15, 1976 - January 15, 2026). This half-century journey marks each stage of development, with generations of staff, reporters, editors, technicians, and workers united in their passion, contributing their efforts and intellect to ensure the Dak Lak Newspaper fulfills its role as the mouthpiece and voice of the Party Committee, government, and people of Dak Lak province.

The revolutionary press in Dak Lak province was conceived, formed, and nurtured during the years when the country was still engulfed in the flames of war. That was a period that journalists still referred to by a simple but proud name: "journalism in the jungle." The journalistic force mainly consisted of political cadres, who simultaneously wrote articles, engaged in agricultural production, protected bases, and resisted enemy raids. Some newspapers were the result of intellect, sweat, and even blood. Hardships, harsh conditions, and dangers forged the character and spirit of these journalists.

With peace restored and amidst the joyous atmosphere of national reunification, on January 15, 1976, the Standing Committee of the Dak Lak Provincial Party Committee issued Decision No. 18-QD/TV establishing the Dak Lak Newspaper Editorial Office. On this same day, the first issue, a four-page, 30x42 cm format, printed using typewriters at the Information and Culture Department's printing house, was published. From initially publishing only twice a month, the provincial Party Committee's newspaper gradually developed in sync with the local socio -economic life.

In 1977, Dak Lak Newspaper increased its publication frequency to 3 issues per month, with a format of 29x42 cm. In 1979, the newspaper was published 4 issues per month. In early 1986, the publication frequency increased to 8 issues per month (2 issues per week, including Mondays and Wednesdays). In September 1990, the newspaper added a Weekend edition, 8 pages. In July 1999, the newspaper added the Dak Lak Monthly publication. In February 2009, the Dak Lak Weekend edition increased from 8 pages to 12 pages. In January 2010, the newspaper added a Friday issue. In July 2010, the newspaper added a Tuesday issue. In January 2018, the newspaper added a Thursday issue. From then until now, Dak Lak Newspaper has been published on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Weekends. A significant turning point came when the Dak Lak Online Newspaper was officially launched in 2009 – marking a transformation beyond traditional print journalism to include a modern form of journalism.

On July 1, 2025, the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee held a conference to announce the decisions of the Provincial Party Committee on the merger and establishment of specialized agencies to advise and assist the Provincial Party Committee. Ms. Cao Thi Hoa An, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairwoman of the Provincial People's Council, presented the decisions to the leaders of the Dak Lak Newspaper and Radio and Television Station. Photo : Nguyen Xuan

Entering its 50th year, Dak Lak Newspaper stands before a new era. Dak Lak and Phu Yen provinces were merged to form the new Dak Lak province, with a larger scale in terms of administrative boundaries, cultural space, economy, and society. Implementing the policy of merging media agencies, Dak Lak Newspaper and Radio & Television was established, fostering the parallel development of all four types of media, including print – Dak Lak Newspaper.

Keeping pace with the development of journalistic life, the staff, reporters, editors, and technicians of Dak Lak Newspaper consistently uphold political integrity, remain steadfast in their principles and objectives, and continuously adapt, innovating and modernizing the publishing process. In the powerful flow of digital transformation, journalistic thinking has changed, from approaching topics and methods of operation to organizing content and transmitting information. Working together with other forms of journalism, the products of Dak Lak Newspaper are disseminated across multiple platforms. Journalism awards from the provincial to the national level, especially the National Journalism Award, are vivid evidence of the quality of work, the competence, and the dynamism and creativity of the journalists at Dak Lak Newspaper.

From reporting in the jungle to in the digital space, the unwavering foundation has always been people. Previous generations – some with graying hair, some who have passed away – have left behind not only pseudonyms and works, but also a precious asset: a spirit of dedication, social responsibility, and absolute loyalty to the ideals of revolutionary journalism. Generations of cadres, reporters, editors, and technicians today and in the future continue to "light" and "keep the flame" – the flame of passion for the profession of journalist-soldiers on the ideological and cultural front.

Half a century, from the first issue of Dak Lak Newspaper to its greater development in a new space, has been a journey full of milestones and pride. With a burning passion for the profession and deep gratitude to its readers, Dak Lak Newspaper and Radio & Television strive to build a professional and modern publication; a bridge connecting the past, present, and future, contributing to fostering trust, multiplying aspirations for contribution, and building a homeland of vast forests and oceans, soaring and reaching further in the new era.

Source: https://baodaklak.vn/xa-hoi/202601/nua-the-ky-thap-lua-va-giu-lua-7fb193c/