Preserving Party principles – the "red thread" of Vietnam's revolutionary press.The revolutionary press of Vietnam clearly demonstrates Party principles and a guiding ideology, striving to serve the people's interests and contribute to national development. This is also the core, immutable value of journalism – a "sediment" that must never be lost or changed. Ultimately, the journey of preserving and promoting Party principles is the journey of protecting and nurturing the "survival" of the revolutionary press of Vietnam. This responsibility rests with those involved, the press agencies, and the revolutionary journalists in the new situation…When journalists unite for the goal of "having the Party in our hearts," they will surely create a force capable of "moving mountains and filling seas," a force that no power can overturn. To better understand this journey, on the eve of the 99th anniversary of Vietnam's Revolutionary Press Day, the Newspaper Journalists & Public Opinion presents a special feature: "Preserving Party Loyalty – The 'Red Thread' of Vietnam's Revolutionary Press." |
In our society, no journalist is unaware of this: journalism is the most fundamental and primary means of information in life. Every publication, radio broadcast, and television program is the voice of the Party, state agencies, political and social organizations, socio-political and professional organizations, social organizations, and a forum for the people.
From its perspective, it is clear that its tasks, duties, and responsibilities are paramount, with the most core and overarching task being to provide truthful information about the situation in the country and the world , in accordance with the interests of the country and the people, and reflecting the legitimate aspirations and wishes of the people.
The Party spirit of revolutionary journalism permeates every journalistic activity, acting as a compass guiding every article, every propaganda campaign, and every newspaper. A veteran journalist once said that a journalistic ship sailing the stormy ocean would easily be tossed about and lose its course if it lacked Party spirit. Whether to praise or criticize, to support or oppose, to publish or not to publish, to highlight or downplay content... largely depends on Party spirit.
Readers engage with the Party newspaper at the Da Nang Spring Newspaper Fair. Photo: Da Nang Newspaper
The Party spirit of revolutionary journalism permeates all journalistic activities, acting as a compass guiding every article, every propaganda campaign, and every newspaper. |
In the nearly century-long tradition of revolutionary journalism, Party spirit has always gone hand in hand with the spirit of the people and the nation. There are also other opinions regarding honesty, critical thinking, and appeal. Of course, above all, Party spirit prevails. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow, Vietnamese journalism has the glorious task of serving the revolutionary cause, for the Party and for the people. This is both the purpose and the condition, the ethical standard in journalistic activity. It is also the Party spirit of journalism; it is the expression of the press's loyalty to the Party, and its contribution to the cause of building a prosperous nation.
During his lifetime, President Ho Chi Minh succinctly stated: "The interests of the Party and the nation must be placed above all else." This is not at all contradictory to the honesty, timeliness, and attractiveness of journalistic work. Nor is it just a matter for "us" alone, but a matter of journalism for all of humanity. The world press has always emphasized respect for the truth and the public's right to know the truth, considering this the primary duty of journalists.
Recently, the 2024 Pulitzer Prizes were awarded for outstanding journalistic works. These included articles, documentaries, and photographs still bearing the dust of war. One such outstanding series of articles about the Hamas-Israel conflict and the suffering of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, published in The Times, also received a special statement from the Pulitzer Prize Committee to honor journalists who reported on the conflict.
Now, we would like to elaborate on the Party spirit in the press. This concept should be understood broadly. It's not just political newspapers that need to uphold and maintain Party spirit; all newspapers and magazines in our country must adhere to their principles and objectives. Regardless of the circumstances, they must maintain their political orientation, understand and guide public opinion. At the same time, depending on their specific functions and tasks, they must employ appropriate methods and forms of struggle to refute the erroneous views of hostile forces and political opportunists. This is precisely how we demonstrate Party spirit.
Naturally, the press must constantly enhance its adherence to Party principles. Photo: XB
Yesterday, today, and into the future, the Vietnamese press has the glorious task of serving the revolutionary cause, for the Party and for the people. This is both the purpose and the condition, the ethical standard in journalistic activities. It is also the Party character of the press; it is an expression of the press's loyalty to the Party, and its contribution to the cause of building a prosperous nation. |
In several recent seminars, many editors-in-chief addressed quite specific issues, offering in-depth analyses of Party principles in the current situation, emphasizing manifestations of deviation from Party principles. Is it possible that some people speak very smoothly about building a culturally sound media organization, yet there are manifestations of anti-cultural and sub-cultural behavior (disunity, factionalism, seeking positions and power, selling out content and distribution to middlemen...)? Are there interest groups within the media industry who, under the guise of fighting corruption, engage in corruption?
When one's hands are stained with corruption, everything they write becomes hesitant, lacking objectivity and honesty, even protecting wrongdoing. Is there a tendency to rely on external sources and blindly follow social media without thorough investigation and ensuring the accuracy of the information? Are there manifestations of opportunism, populism, and blind faith coupled with unwavering agreement? Is there a tendency to conceal or distort the truth for advertising, commercial purposes, or even to tarnish reputations and dignity for illicit gain?...
Having the courage to speak frankly, to say everything, to say things that others are hesitant/afraid to say, is a positive sign for correcting mistakes and doing better in the future.
The difficult economic situation has had an immediate and strong impact on the economics of journalism. Issues of profitability, circulation, and income levels are always a major headache for media managers. At this time, journalism cannot simply pursue commercial goals. Developing the economic viability of journalism is crucial, but it cannot be done at all costs; newspapers must not be manipulated. Attention must still be paid to and valued in terms of political and ideological "profit," maintaining the "bridge" between the Party's will and the people's aspirations. |
In the coming period, we believe it is necessary to focus on effectively publicizing the preparations for the Party congresses at all levels, leading up to the 14th National Congress of the Party in early 2026. The challenge and the novelty lies in identifying the most crucial topics and issues to guide and focus the propaganda efforts. This guidance should be demonstrated from two perspectives: firstly, by viewing the issues from the Party's viewpoint; and secondly, by reflecting on and addressing the problems raised by the press.
From the perspective of our Party, the closing speech of the 9th Central Committee Meeting (13th term) by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong raised very significant and new issues. These new ideas are precisely the valuable "nourishment" for the press. He said: "Have we truly formed a theory on the reform line in Vietnam after 40 years of reform?"; "We need to focus on very key, more specific, and more realistic contents such as: Building and implementing a comprehensive system of institutions and policies to promote the development of science, technology, and innovation; encouraging a spirit of daring to think, daring to act, daring to take responsibility, and daring to make breakthroughs in development; fundamentally and comprehensively reforming personnel work, attracting, training, developing, and valuing talent..."
"Theories on the reform line" and "Fundamental and comprehensive reform of personnel work" are journalistic topics that need special attention. High-quality journalistic works, well-received by the public, will be like healthy green trees growing from this "soil." Along with promoting the dissemination of the Party's viewpoints and policies into life, newspapers and individual journalists, depending on their abilities, strengths, and areas of activity, also have the responsibility to contribute to summarizing the theory and practice of Party building and the construction of the political system.
The development of modern journalism in Vietnam has made a significant contribution to shaping public opinion and encouraging the cause of national construction and defense. Especially in the third decade of the 21st century, we must seize opportunities, overcome challenges, and participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, considering it a breakthrough solution with appropriate steps and a suitable roadmap, as an opportunity for our country to make a breakthrough in socio-economic development.
However, along its path of development, Vietnamese journalism still frequently encounters numerous difficulties and obstacles. Some hostile and reactionary individuals and organizations use every trick to fabricate and distort the situation regarding press freedom. This is a specific plot within the "peaceful evolution" strategy aimed at undermining, slandering, and lowering the prestige and image of Vietnam on the international stage.
Recently, in early May 2024, as usual, the organization "Reporters Without Borders" (RSF) published its annual report on the "Press Freedom Index 2024". In the name of protecting press freedom worldwide and fighting censorship, they claimed that Vietnam ranked 174th out of 180 countries in press freedom, belonging to the group of countries with "the worst press in the world " (!). They loudly proclaimed: " The State must allow private media to operate."
Some Western media outlets, lacking goodwill towards Vietnam, would loudly proclaim, speculate, and distort the domestic situation whenever specific events or incidents related to the press occurred. "Relying on" external support, some reactionary elements within the country established illegal groups to promote so-called "freedom of the press" and "civil society," unilaterally elevating "creative individuality"—in reality, speaking in contradictory and contradictory ways—in an attempt to counterbalance the Communist Party of Vietnam.
Now, when discussing the enhancement of Party principles in journalism, it is also necessary to fully recognize the difficulties faced by the press within a market economy, in an economy struggling to recover after more than two years of the country's resilient fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. Then there are the daily and hourly impacts of the international situation. The "proxy war" between Russia and Ukraine, the Hamas-Israel conflict spreading throughout the Middle East, the arms race, ethnic and religious conflicts... are disrupting the global economy and security, creating complex and unpredictable developments.
The difficult economic situation has had an immediate and strong impact on the economics of journalism. Issues of profitability, circulation, and income levels are always a major headache for media managers. At this time, journalism cannot simply pursue commercial goals. Developing the economic viability of journalism is crucial, but it cannot be done at all costs; newspapers must not be manipulated. Attention must still be paid to and valued in terms of political and ideological "profit," maintaining the "bridge" between the Party's will and the people's aspirations.
To maintain our position, we must continue to innovate. Innovate the way we gather information, innovate the way we write, innovate the newsroom management model, digitize journalism... One Editor-in-Chief stated that the guiding principle for our newspaper at this time is: Use any tool at hand to disseminate information as quickly as possible to a wide audience, including international friends, ensuring the highest accuracy, effectiveness, focus, and ability to guide and shape public opinion.
Yes, that is the highest and most sacred expression of Party loyalty in the face of the demands of the nation, the people, the reform process, and the rich and sustainable development of the country's press. In this way, each journalist is not only a contemporary historian but also a talented forecaster, like the morning bell, like the first thunder of the season.
Journalist Hai Duong
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/tinh-dang-cao-nhat-thieng-lieng-nhat-post299556.html
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