Artificial intelligence and digital transformation strategies in Vietnamese newsrooms.

(Chinhphu.vn) - Digital transformation in journalism cannot simply stop at the spontaneous use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, lacking direction and an overall strategy.

This warning was issued by experts, managers, and newsroom leaders at the discussion session "Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation Strategies of Vietnamese Newsrooms" within the framework of the National Press Forum, held on the morning of June 20th in Hanoi .

Speakers share their views at the discussion session - Photo: VGP/Van Hien

The discussion attracted the participation of journalists, technology experts, and a large number of readers interested in digital transformation in the field of journalism and media.

According to Mr. Nguyen Quang Dong, Director of the Institute for Policy and Development Studies (IPS), over 60% of surveyed media organizations have used AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot in their content production processes, from suggestion and editing to information aggregation. However, current applications are fragmented, lacking a strategic vision, and mainly operate in a spontaneous and personalized manner. Three major issues hindering the effective application of AI in newsrooms, according to Mr. Dong, are: misfocusing AI applications (overemphasizing tools, neglecting processes); a lack of a comprehensive strategy and approach at the organizational level; and insufficient financial resources and dedicated personnel.

Mr. Dong also warned of the risk of losing readers as information access behavior gradually shifts from search engines to AI-based platforms. Along with this, the continued decline in advertising revenue highlights the urgent need for innovation in journalism business models in the digital age.

Sharing practical experience, Mr. Dao Quang Binh, General Director and Secretary General of Vietnam Economic Magazine, said that the editorial office has successfully developed its own AI tool called Askonomy, trained entirely with internal data, which helps translate articles quickly and accurately, reduces the workload for editors, and tightly controls content. Askonomy is now integrated into the CMS system, capable of high-speed content processing and achieving 95% accuracy in reading and understanding text in just 7 seconds. In addition, Vietnam Economic Magazine has also developed the Asko Platform, opening up a unique path for technologically independent editorial models.

View of the discussion session - Photo: VGP/Van Hien

From a copyright protection perspective, technology expert Dinh Toan Thang emphasized the trend of combining AI with watermark encryption technology, multi-layer digital data signatures, and DRM (digital rights management) technology to protect journalistic content from the risk of being copied or misquoted.

Discussions at the forum showed that AI is opening up great opportunities for journalism but also poses many challenges in terms of governance, professional ethics, and business models. Successful digital transformation is not just about applying technology, but must be a comprehensive strategy, centered on people and journalistic values.

In the context of changing reader behavior regarding information access, the business model of journalism needs to be reshaped. AI may be an extension of the tool, but the core values ​​of journalism must remain at the heart: credibility, authenticity, and unwavering political integrity.

Van Hien

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/tri-tue-nhan-tao-and-chien-luoc-chuyen-doi-so-trong-cac-toa-soan-bao-chi-viet-nam-102250620120311238.htm