I love my job… it has “chosen” me!

BPO - Visiting Bu Dang today, everyone can clearly feel the changes in this remote district. The new rural development program has brought prosperity, yet still retains its peaceful charm with vast green fields of rubber trees shedding their leaves, and cashew and coffee plantations laden with fruit… And most impressive of all is the sound of life from the district radio station. For many years, the voice of the district radio station has been closely associated with the people here, becoming an indispensable "spiritual nourishment" and a source of pride for those working in broadcasting in this land.

The author was working in Minh Hung commune, where a tornado occurred in 2017.

"4-in-1" Reporter

“This is the Bu Dang District Radio and Television Station. Broadcasting from Duc Phong town on frequency 102 MHz.” That announcement has stuck with me for 21 years and 6 months now. I remember my first day working at the district station, full of apprehension. I sat reading news reports, which at the time were just handwritten reports on A4 paper and summaries from the Binh Phuoc Newspaper. Back then, Binh Phuoc only had print newspapers, not online newspapers like today.

After more than a week of getting acquainted, I was assigned to record my first news program for the district radio station. Surprisingly, right after that program, the station manager at the time, Mr. Trinh Dinh Thieu, decided to transfer me to record the "Young Sprouts" program, citing the reason that "my voice is too childish" and not suitable for a political commentary program…

Contrary to my expectations, working at the district radio station allowed me to pursue my passion: effectively conveying and transmitting news content and messages to the public.

Once I became more experienced in the profession, I became a "four-in-one" reporter for the station, serving as a reporter, editor, broadcaster, and equipment technician. This meant I had to be present at every stage, from gathering information, editing, recording, handling technical issues, and finalizing the program before it aired.

The author filmed this documentary in Thong Nhat commune on the 30th day of the Lunar New Year.

The district radio station has few staff, so I have to shoulder a lot of responsibilities. Part of this is probably because I'm so passionate about the job. In addition, I actively participate in many live radio programs such as the District Party Congress or the sessions of the People's Council at all levels in the district… Once, Mr. Nguyen Anh Hoang, then Chairman of the District People's Committee, after inquiring about my work situation and learning that I rarely have time off, was very understanding and shared the burden with his colleagues.

The Bu Dang district is vast, encompassing 16 communes and towns, with Dang Ha commune being the furthest, nearly 55km from the district center. To provide accurate and vivid information from the grassroots, I had to travel long distances to reach many remote and isolated communes. I remember one time I was assigned to gather news in Dang Ha commune. I arrived back at the office after 11 PM, burdened with equipment and lighting cables. I carried the equipment up the hill to the station in the pouring rain, exhausted and scared, but the radio program for the next morning had to be completed before airtime. Gathering all my courage, I stayed to finish my work, and it was already 2 AM. At that moment, the main gate of the district station was blocked by a fallen tree, so I had to go through the side entrance. But halfway up the hill, a eucalyptus tree was uprooted and fell in front of my car. Stumbling and falling repeatedly, I finally got home just as dawn broke. It's a memory that still brings tears to my eyes whenever I recall it.

The plight of female reporters

It's often said that pregnancy is a difficult time for women. During this period, they must be extremely cautious, choosing light and suitable work to ensure the safety of both mother and fetus. However, for female reporters, those days are even more special as they have to monitor the health of both mother and child while also working in various locations.

My baby was just four months old when I was encouraged to return to work early to support the agency, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. Leaving my child with someone else, I took on my duties and worked alone, diligently operating the video camera, microphone, and audio recorder for interviews, with a camera around my neck for taking pictures. All I had to do was concentrate intensely on gathering necessary information and materials for my work and for disseminating information on pandemic prevention and control. Upon returning to the office, I assisted with the technical aspects of the midday news broadcast on Binh Phuoc Radio and Television and Newspaper (BPTV) and wrote news articles for the day's radio program, which I then used in the early afternoon to report on conferences or field trips.

Once, when my child was sick, the babysitter was so worried that she called me. But because I was on an important assignment, I didn't dare write anything unless I heard it directly, so I asked her to try and look after my child a little longer. By the time she finished her work and rushed back, my child had collapsed from dehydration. That time, she was very angry with me for not coming home when my child was sick.

With a mother who works as a journalist, celebrating New Year's Eve with family and taking children to the first day of the new school year was a luxury. And for me, it was something I never got to experience.

Hard ​​​​  Are not​   discouraged

In the context of the 4.0 technology era, media is changing with future development trends to keep pace with digital technology applications. Those of us in this profession must also adapt and keep up to perform our duties well. For example, when events take place in the district in the morning, I have to write news for the district radio station, the district's online news site, and submit articles to other media outlets in the province. Each collaboration requires a different way of presenting the news and articles. Naturally, I have to write in various styles to suit each. Radio requires sound effects; print and online newspapers require photos; television needs vivid images... And there have been times I've been reprimanded for submitting articles to the wrong format.

The author (center) and his colleagues enjoying quick meals at the event "The Sound of the Pestle Resounds Forever in Bom Bo Village," December 2024.

Without regular professional training, to perform my duties well, I must always learn from the experience of my colleagues to gain more knowledge, skills, and life experience. In addition, I must always stay close to the grassroots, building close relationships with local authorities, government agencies, and the people in the area to facilitate my work.

Despite the difficulties, I am always proud of my work. Every time I see my collaborative articles published or broadcast on BPTV and other newspapers, I feel joyful and excited. I silently remind myself to try harder to produce more high-quality news articles that attract public attention. That is also the motivation for me to travel more, write more, and create more interesting, relatable, meaningful articles that truthfully reflect all aspects of life.

For over 21 years of service, during holidays and festivals, when everyone else is resting and enjoying themselves, I have to work at a much higher intensity than usual. But above all, with my love and passion for my profession, I remain committed and dedicated to the job that "chose me".

Source: https://baobinhphuoc.com.vn/news/636/173625/toi-yeu-nghe-da-chon-toi