Promoting the development of journalism economy and regulating journalism activities in cyberspace

(Chinhphu.vn) - National Assembly deputies highly agreed on the necessity of promulgating the Press Law (amended) to strengthen the management of press activities, improve the quality of journalists, promote the development of the press economy and regulate press activities on cyberspace in accordance with reality.

Delegate Ta Thi Yen ( Dien Bien Delegation) spoke at the discussion

On the afternoon of October 23, continuing the 10th Session Program of the 15th National Assembly , the National Assembly discussed in groups the draft Press Law (amended).

Reducing 'sub-licenses' in issuing press cards

Commenting on the regulations on granting, changing and revoking press cards, delegate Ta Thi Yen (Dien Bien Delegation) said that the draft Law stipulates that people who are granted a card for the first time must have worked continuously for 2 years or more and "have completed a training course on journalism skills and professional ethics" organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in coordination with the Vietnam Journalists Association , which is not really appropriate.

According to the delegate, the goal of the regulation to improve the quality of the press team is correct, but considering the reform of administrative procedures and the Government's policy of cutting down on "sub-licenses and certificates", this regulation is not really necessary.

"Currently, the process of granting a press card has a fairly strict criteria system. Those who are considered must have worked in journalism and be recommended by the press agency, have appropriate professional qualifications and be confirmed by the governing body. The entry requirements for journalists are also controlled through recruitment standards, degrees, and specialized training. If we add the requirement of having to go through a professional training course and ethics before being considered for a press card, it will create a new layer of administrative procedures, no different from a type of 'sub-license', causing costs, time, and procedures for journalists," delegate Ta Thi Yen frankly said.

Delegate Ta Thi Yen said that from 2021 to now, the Prime Minister has directed the Ministry of Home Affairs to review and remove unnecessary certificates to reduce administrative burdens as well as save social resources. In that context, adding a new type of certificate - even if it is for training, is difficult to receive consensus from practice.

Therefore, delegate Ta Thi Yen suggested that the Drafting Agency review and not make this content mandatory, but instead update knowledge and professional ethics through seminars and thematic activities...

Press cards should be reserved for those who work directly.

Delegate Pham Thi Minh Hue (Can Tho) highly agreed with the necessity of promulgating the Press Law (amended) to strengthen the management of press activities, improve the quality of journalists, promote the development of the press economy and adjust press activities on cyberspace in accordance with reality.

However, delegate Pham Thi Minh Hue suggested that the Drafting Agency clarify the explanation of terms to ensure consistent application and avoid misunderstandings between different types of press. The explanation of the concept of "press" should be general, while specific types such as print, radio, television, and electronic newspapers should be defined separately and clearly to avoid duplication.

In addition, the list of press activities needs to be reviewed and supplemented to comprehensively reflect the practical activities of press agencies; some expressions need to be edited to be appropriate, such as the provision that "the press has duties and powers" is semantically inaccurate and needs to be adjusted to be consistent with the regulations on the position, functions and tasks of the press.

At the same time, clarify the concept of "public service unit" in the regulation "press agencies operating in the form of public service units or public service units", because there is currently no legal document specifically regulating this type.

Regarding the regulations on granting and revoking press licenses, delegate Pham Thi Minh Hue said that it is necessary to add specific regulations for cases where the competent authority does not issue a decision to establish a press agency after being licensed; at the same time, research on inheriting the provisions of the 2016 Press Law to ensure clarity and feasibility. Along with that, the regulations on changing the content of the press license need to be carefully considered for the requesting subject, ensuring the opinion of the competent authority to avoid conflicts with current regulations.

Sharing the same view, delegate Truong Thi Ngoc Anh (Can Tho Delegation) suggested that the Drafting Agency review the explanation of terms, ensuring that the names of press types are consistent, clear and consistent with reality, avoiding the use of "print press" which is inconsistent with other concepts; at the same time, edit concisely, avoiding duplication of content between points and clauses on prohibited acts.

Regarding revenue from advertising, sponsorship or people who need to post news and articles, delegate Truong Thi Ngoc Anh proposed assigning responsibility to the Government or the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to have specific instructions to limit cases where the press takes advantage of legal regulations to put great pressure on businesses and economic organizations.

Regarding representative agencies and resident reporters, we agree with the provisions of the draft Law. However, press agencies are responsible for notifying the People's Committee of the province where the representative office/resident agency is located 10 days before operating.

Regarding the regulations on journalist obligations (Article 28), the delegate said that it should be divided into two groups: things that must be done and things that must not be done. Expressing concerns about the regulation on granting press cards to journalists who switch to management, teaching or association work, the delegate suggested that the drafting agency carefully consider to make the regulation more strict, in the direction that press cards should be reserved for those who work directly; granting them to other fields could lead to card abuse and would not be in accordance with regulations on press activities.

About the main multimedia communication agency

Venerable Thich Duc Thien (Dien Bien delegation) stated that in reality, there is still a lot of fake, bad, and toxic information appearing on cross-border digital platforms, so it is necessary to have specific and strict regulations on commitments and responsibilities for managing press activities in cyberspace, especially for domestic and foreign digital platforms.

In addition, the Drafting Agency carefully considers the concepts of press types to avoid duplication or omission, ensuring consistency with other legal documents.

In the context of declining advertising and financial difficulties for traditional press, the State needs to continue investing in press agencies, especially key multimedia media agencies, to ensure that the press performs well its functions of guiding and leading public opinion and communicating policies.

Many delegates basically agreed with the addition of regulations on "multimedia key media agencies". However, delegates suggested continuing research, clarifying the content, criteria for identification and specific financial mechanisms of multimedia key media agencies.

It is suggested that in addition to the 6 press agencies identified under Decision 362/QD-TTg dated April 3, 2019 of the Prime Minister on approving the national press development and management plan until 2025, it is necessary to consider adding key multimedia press agencies in some localities or some units that have built up prestige and have a certain position in press activities.

Hai Lien

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/thuc-day-phat-trien-kinh-te-bao-chi-va-dieu-chinh-hoat-dong-bao-chi-tren-khong-gian-mang-102251023164959324.htm