Confessions of a journalist

Journalism is always a challenging yet incredibly rewarding journey. Successful journalists are those who love their profession, are eager to travel, write, learn, and experience. The depth of their practical experience is directly proportional to the depth of their thinking and creative ability. These are the insights shared by journalists currently working at Ninh Binh Newspaper and Radio-Television Station.

The team of authors from Ninh Binh Newspaper received the National Award for External Information in 2024. Photo: PV

"Continuously innovating to meet the aesthetic needs of our readers."

Journalist NGUYEN TRONG VAN, Deputy Head of the Editorial Department for Print and Online Newspapers (Ninh Binh Newspaper and Radio-Television Station)

Coming from a background in fine arts, I came to journalism as a natural progression in life. In 2008, I started working at Ninh Binh Newspaper and have been involved in journalism ever since. My main job is designing and layout newspaper pages to make the publication beautiful, eye-catching, and appealing to readers. The work seems simple, but it always comes with unseen pressures.

First and foremost, there is the pressure of time, accuracy, and technical and aesthetic requirements in the process of presenting and designing newspaper pages before printing.

Especially during the publication of Spring editions and special issues, designing the newspaper cover is a stressful task. The cover must be impressive, concise, aesthetically pleasing, and reflect the spirit of the issue. Under such working conditions, a lack of skill and focus can easily lead to mistakes. To meet these criteria, I must strive to learn, update myself on new trends and software, and be creative every day to keep up with the changes in modern journalism.

Sometimes you have to put yourself in the reader's shoes, considering their reaction and feelings. Although I always face challenges, journalism also brings me much joy. Especially when a published issue is beautifully presented, attracts many readers, and receives positive feedback.

"Overcoming the pressure to perform well in disseminating information on current political affairs."

Journalist PHUONG NHUNG (Reporter, News Department, Ninh Binh Newspaper and Radio-Television Station)

Journalism, especially in the field of political news, is always a challenging yet incredibly rewarding journey. Having been involved in this work for nearly 20 years, I have come to understand its unique characteristics. Starting in 2006, with my limited academic knowledge and experience as a freelance contributor, I was initially bewildered when I was assigned to the Television Editorial Department – ​​a leading unit specializing in political news reporting.

Although I initially only handled news and articles reflecting production and cultural situations, I gradually gained trust and was assigned to handle important news stories involving provincial leaders. Pressure was present from the very beginning. Fear was constant because even a small mistake could significantly impact the agency's reputation and the province's political mission. However, thanks to the help of colleagues and my own continuous learning efforts, I gradually became more confident.

Besides current news, we also produce reports, features, and documentaries about Party building—a field that many consider difficult to explore. But with nearly 20 years of observation and writing, I have found it fascinating and has plenty of "ground" to explore.

My award-winning works in provincial journalism competitions on topics such as Party building, studying and following Ho Chi Minh's ideology, ethics, and style, foreign affairs information, and other areas are proof of my growth.

My greatest happiness comes not only from the recognition of leaders and colleagues, but also from the audience, former provincial leaders, and elderly Party members—the subjects of my reports and documentaries—when they call or text to encourage me. Each of our works authentically reflects the land and people of Ninh Binh, conveying a message of love and stirring the feelings of truth, goodness, and beauty in everyone's heart.

The greatest success is when the characters feel happy because they can open up, feel appreciated, and the audience's reception is invaluable encouragement for us to continue dedicating ourselves.

"Real-life experience taught me lessons that were never found in professional training curricula."

Journalist NGUYEN LUU (Reporter, Economic Department, Ninh Binh Newspaper and Radio-Television Station)

Although I work as a journalist, I come from an agricultural engineering background, so I initially faced certain difficulties. Furthermore, as a female reporter, I encountered even more challenges, having to balance my professional duties with family responsibilities… However, I still tried to organize my work in a scientific and rational way.

For every journalist, the opportunity to travel and write every day is a joy, and each trip is an experience. What happens in reality not only becomes vivid material for articles but also changes the writer's perspective and viewpoint. I have gained a lot from my trips. The vibrant reality has taught me lessons that are not found in professional training curricula.

For a journalist, the most important thing is experience. Without going to the field, seeing things firsthand, and asking questions directly, the result will only be articles lacking the breath of life and failing to persuade readers. Vibrant reality is invaluable material, while life experience, personal insights, and perspectives give each article its weight.

Above all, successful journalists must be passionate about their profession, eager to travel, write, learn, and experience. The depth of their practical experience is directly proportional to the depth of their thinking and creative ability.

"Passion and creativity are needed to capture beautiful images."

Journalist XUAN CHIEN (Reporter, Editorial Secretariat Department, Ninh Binh Newspaper and Radio-Television Station)

Having spent nearly 15 years working with a camera, I still believe that the profession chose me, not the other way around. After graduating with a degree in Television Production Engineering at the end of 2010, fate led me to Ninh Binh Radio and Television Station (now Ninh Binh Newspaper and Radio-Television Station) and I have been involved in filmmaking ever since.

What makes me proud and passionate about this job, especially when looking at the examples from previous generations, is the image of these rugged, down-to-earth cinematographers. They don't just simply hold a camera and set up the scene and lighting; they are always creative in finding camera angles, handling lighting and sound to suit the script's intentions, delivering the most beautiful, vibrant, and captivating shots.

It is that dedication and creativity that motivates me to contribute. Every time I work, whether in favorable or difficult circumstances, I learn a lesson: Responsibility in my work is paramount. My goal is always to bring the most beautiful and authentic images of life to television viewers.

In the digital age, cameramen must constantly update their knowledge, master modern equipment, and apply new technological advancements to improve the quality of journalistic products. I aspire to continue learning from colleagues, honing my skills to acquire new expertise and contribute to the development of journalism in my province and the country as a whole.

Reporters' Team

Source: https://baoninhbinh.org.vn/tam-su-nghe-bao-931068.htm