The mission of journalism

What draws readers to a newspaper today? That's a question newsrooms around the world have been asking for years, but finding a truly clear answer isn't easy.

Since the first printed newspaper appeared in the 17th century, journalism has always been a "monopoly" channel for information dissemination. However, the rise of the internet and new media, especially social networks, has completely disrupted that order. In an open space where anyone with a smartphone can become a "news provider," journalism no longer holds a dominant position. What readers could only find in print newspapers is now readily available on social media.

What is the value of journalism in the digital age? In his recent article, "Vietnamese Revolutionary Journalism in the Digital Age ," General Secretary and President To Lam clearly stated that the changes in information in the digital age do not diminish the role of revolutionary journalism. On the contrary, when information is abundant and chaotic, society increasingly needs reliable sources to verify what actually happened, what the essence of the problem is, and which solutions are well-founded. The responsibility of journalism is not only to be faster, but first and foremost to be more accurate, more insightful, and more useful.

But the depth and accuracy of journalism don't come naturally. At a meeting with 101 outstanding journalists on the afternoon of June 16th, commemorating the 101st anniversary of Vietnam's Revolutionary Press Day, General Secretary and President To Lam also emphasized that journalism must adhere to reality, respect the truth, and take the interests of the people as its starting point. The weight of an excellent journalistic work doesn't lie in bombastic language, but in its ability to accurately reflect the truth, demonstrate social responsibility, and address the pressing issues that people urgently need resolved.

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The Vice President visits the National Press Conference 2026.On the afternoon of June 21, 2026, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan visited the 2026 National Press Conference and attended the 20th National Journalism Awards Ceremony - 2025 with the theme "A pure heart to serve - Keeping the flame alive to be a pioneer" as part of the series of activities commemorating the 101st anniversary of Vietnam's Revolutionary Journalism Day (June 21, 1925 - June 21, 2026).

The shock press highlighted the revolutionary nature of the Vietnam People's Army.Throughout more than a century of formation and development, the revolutionary press of Vietnam has always accompanied the nation, serving as a sharp weapon in the wars of national liberation and as a faithful chronicler in the period of national construction and defense.

The practical issues that the General Secretary and President spoke of are the very breath of life, the hidden corners and specific problems of the people that journalists must directly engage with and immerse themselves in to understand and reflect truthfully. Even when faced with "sensitive" and thorny issues, journalists need even more courage and intelligence to delve into them, focusing on dissecting them instead of avoiding them.

Along with that, the era of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data, while creating many challenges for journalism, also offers opportunities for the press to break free from the image of a purely "news-delivering" medium. Instead of racing against social media, journalism needs to drastically innovate its methods, fully utilizing new technologies to provide readers with systematically analyzed and accurate information from fragmented and disparate data. This is the professional dividing line that distinguishes a reputable newspaper from the chaotic world of social media.

The core mission of journalism since its inception has always been the pursuit of truth. The value of journalism, regardless of the era, ultimately lies in information. Methods of practice may change, technology may constantly evolve, but the anchor that keeps readers engaged certainly remains those values ​​and mission.

According to Tu An (TNO)

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The press should be a place where people turn to find out what is trustworthy.When a new policy is enacted, people need the press to explain how it will affect their lives, and when there is debate in society, they need the press to help them see more clearly what is in the common good, what is the truth, and what is the responsibility.

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/su-menh-cua-bao-chi-post590383.html