Dialogue on the mission of journalists
With over 600 pages, divided into 8 chapters and 66 articles, Truth, Right and the Pen is not only a collection of political essays but also a cross-generational “dialogue” about the mission of journalists in modern society. The work was released at a meaningful time, commemorating the 100th anniversary of Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day, as a milestone marking the path of dedication and career concerns of journalist Ho Quang Loi, who has been in the profession for 45 years.
The title Truth, Justice and the Pen is considered by the author as a sacred professional declaration of a revolutionary journalist. According to the author, a true pen must not only reflect the truth but also stand on the side of justice, taking humanistic values as its foundation. With a writing style that is full of political commentary but not dry, each page evokes profound thoughts about the role of journalism in protecting the truth, shaping values, and contributing to the development of Vietnamese culture and people.
“The path to truth is a difficult one. We must clarify the nature of truth in order to protect justice. Who will do that? It is journalists with their pens,” shared journalist Ho Quang Loi.
Not only analyzing domestic and international current events, from the China-US strategic conflict to the war in Ukraine, the book also raises a series of urgent issues: What is the position of mainstream journalism in the digital media era? How to counter fake news, the crisis of trust and the increasingly powerful impact of artificial intelligence?
With a straightforward yet flexible political tone, Ho Quang Loi wrote: “AI has no heart…”. A short sentence, but clearly affirms: journalists cannot be replaced, if they still retain their emotions, intuition and professional ethics.
Major General and writer Nguyen Hong Thai commented: “ Truth, reason and the pen is a book that is timely, sharp in cultural interpretation, with both careful and soaring sentences”. Critic Bui Viet Thang also expressed: “Reading each page, one can clearly see a sharp mind and a heart full of emotions. That is the value of words”.
Integrity and humanity, the sustainable foundation of journalism
One of the consistent themes of the book is the emphasis on the role of journalistic ethics. In the chapter Don’t let the silver pierce the paper , Ho Quang Loi warns against the situation of two-faced journalists, writing one thing in mainstream newspapers, but making opposite statements on social networks. According to him, “The qualifications of a journalist are only one: honesty and integrity. Otherwise, the pen will be bent.”
He cited the 10-article code of professional ethics for Vietnamese journalists, especially emphasizing Article 5, which clearly stipulates standards of conduct on social networks. “Journalists cannot be fooled, because if they are fooled, they will fool the public,” he emphasized, adding that professional ethics is a “sacred commitment” that journalists must maintain amidst the temptation of interests and the pressure of making a living.
In addition to strategic content, the book is also rich in humanity. Chapters such as Human Light , Social Networks, AI and Journalism , or Heart and Fire … not only provide theoretical analysis but also inspiration, from memories of Uncle Ho, General Vo Nguyen Giap, to field experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the author, “the combative nature of journalism must be associated with humanity”, because journalism, after all, is a profession of the heart.
Not avoiding the challenge of “press economy ”, Ho Quang Loi frankly admitted: “If reporters have to struggle for food and clothing, it will be difficult for their pens to remain upright”. He proposed that there should be a national press economy project, creating a legal and financial corridor so that newsrooms can exist properly, while maintaining content quality and ensuring resources.
When asked what is the “spiritual vaccine” in times of social crisis, he replied: “Maintaining the trust of society with accurate, reliable and convincing information, that is the vital role of journalism.”
Truth, reason and the pen are not only the conclusions of a veteran journalist but also a journey of dialogue between the previous generation and young journalists. In the context of the press facing many challenges in economics, technology and social trust, the book once again affirms: only professional ethics, political courage and deep love for journalism can help the press continue to maintain its role as a vanguard force on the ideological and cultural front.
Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/su-that-le-phai-va-ngon-but-ban-linh-khat-vong-cua-nguoi-45-nam-lam-bao-post799150.html
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