Proud of the journalist

On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925 - June 21, 2025), the reporter had the opportunity to talk with journalist Pham Ngoc Phi, former Editor-in-Chief of Phu Yen Newspaper, who has spent nearly 40 years in journalism, including 15 years as "captain", leading the activities of the editorial office. He shared his profound thoughts on the profession, social responsibility and ethics of journalists in the current period.

Former Editor-in-Chief of Phu Yen Newspaper Pham Ngoc Phi (second from left) takes a photo with the newspaper's Editorial Board through the years. Photo: BPY

* On June 21, please share your feelings when looking back on your past journalism journey?

- Although I am retired, every time June 21st - Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day - comes, my heart beats as fast as when I first started my career. Journalism is a hard job, but truly glorious. I always feel proud to be a part of the revolutionary press, to contribute my voice to the cause of building and defending the Fatherland. Through each period, the press has not only reported and reflected social life but also been a bridge of thought, the voice of the Party and the People.

In early 1978, from an active collaborator, I was transferred to work as a reporter for Phu Khanh Newspaper, then went through many jobs at different editorial offices such as Nghia Binh Newspaper, Binh Dinh Newspaper... In 1990, I was honored to be invited by the late journalist To Phuong to work at Phu Yen Newspaper, taking on the position of Head of Reporter Department and Head of Organizational Administration Department. In 1992, I was promoted to Deputy Editor-in-Chief and in June 1998, I officially took on the position of Editor-in-Chief of Phu Yen Newspaper.

* During your time as Editor-in-Chief of Phu Yen Newspaper, what makes you most proud?

- In the era of information explosion, it is difficult to accept that Phu Yen Newspaper only publishes 2 issues/week and distributes 1,300 copies/issue. Therefore, since I was an assistant to Editor-in-Chief To Phuong, I have proposed many plans to increase pages, increase periods, improve and enhance the quality and efficiency of Phu Yen Newspaper's operations and take on the task of organizing the production of Phu Yen Newspaper at the end of the month, Phu Yen Newspaper at the end of the week, and expanding the distribution work. At the same time, I also take on the task of organizing behind-the-scenes activities such as social charity work, Phu Yen Newspaper cross-country race, etc.

When I became the “captain” of the editorial office, I and the “crew members” vigorously promoted the plan to publish a daily newspaper; in which we paid attention to improving the professional skills of reporters such as opening short-term professional courses, sending reporters to participate in major events of the country such as the national party congress, sports competitions, journalism seminars, etc. Great journalists, prestigious journalists such as Phan Quang, Chanh Trinh, Huynh Son Phuoc, Hong Phuong, Dung Nhan, etc. have come to Phu Yen Newspaper to impart their skills and experience.

I hope that the press will continue to be a bridge between the Party, the government and the people; a vanguard force on the ideological front. To do that, the press must innovate strongly - from journalistic thinking to organization and application of technology. Journalists must be proficient in their profession, have the courage, responsibility and pure heart of a professional.

Compared to many other newspapers that have plans to publish daily newspapers such as Can Tho and Binh Dinh, Phu Yen Newspaper has encountered many difficulties. Although the Provincial People's Council has a very special resolution, giving the newspaper 15 career positions, the newspaper's budget still maintains the annual administrative expenditure level, royalties have increased over time but still maintain the lowest ranking in the country. When the newspaper completed its plan to publish daily newspapers, royalties for Phu Yen Newspaper were 7 million VND/issue, equal to 40-50% of other newspapers in the Central region. I am very proud that Phu Yen Newspaper welcomed the 14th Provincial Party Congress with a daily newspaper, publishing over 5,200 copies/issue, Phu Yen Newspaper at the end of the month is printed more beautifully; Phu Yen Electronic News Page and English Electronic News Page have had nearly 30 million readers.

To this day, I am still proud of this and feel happy that I have contributed to building a team of professional and skilled journalists. Many young reporters who were trained in a difficult, hard and deprived journalism environment have overcome themselves and grown up.

* Can you share some memorable memories during your journalism career?

- As a local party newspaper, Phu Yen Newspaper always strives to fulfill the mission assigned by the Party and the People. Not only does it strive to propagate and participate in organizing the implementation of the Party's policies and guidelines, the newspaper has also produced many major series of articles, using its pen to fight against social negativity. For example, the time I directly directed reporters to produce a series of articles related to the violations of a business in the province, then had to write a response article to another news agency to maintain the correct viewpoint of Phu Yen Newspaper, thereby creating trust with the Provincial Party Committee and the People.

There are many memories, but perhaps the most profound are the times we worked in difficult conditions, such as working days and nights at the scene of natural disasters and floods. The rainy and flood conditions, many areas were isolated, but I always encouraged reporters to find ways to approach the scene, send the latest information to readers; create an official source of information so that authorities and donors can come to approach and support the affected people. It was not only a professional challenge but also the consensus and determination of the whole team to ensure that information reached readers in the most timely and accurate way.

Personally, I still remember most when I attended the coverage of the 9th National Party Congress, I not only worked as a reporter but also commissioned many colleagues to help Phu Yen Newspaper promote the congress more vividly. I still remember the time I went to Singapore to report directly on Phu Yen's investment promotion program, just 2 hours after the event ended, I sent the report back to the Editorial Secretary to publish in the next day's issue.

* As someone who used to run a local party newspaper, what advice do you have for the younger generation of journalists?

- Journalists not only hold a pen, but also have to "control the people's hearts". That means they must always put the interests of the people and the country first. Journalists need to practice professional ethics, accumulate knowledge, and work hard in practice. A good report cannot be written in an air-conditioned room, but must come from going to the place and meeting real people. I hope young reporters will always learn, be creative, constantly improve their skills and sense of social responsibility. When working as a journalist, remember that every word can have a great impact on social life, so you must always be fair and accurate; always maintain your courage and professional ethics.

Journalism is a special profession, not just simply reporting news but also the mission of building and protecting the good, contributing to the development of the country.

* How do you evaluate the current development of journalism and the biggest changes in the profession since you started working?

- The press is currently developing very strongly, with diverse forms and media. Digital technology has created a big turning point, helping the press spread faster and interact more with readers. Besides, there are also many challenges, such as fake news, competitive pressure... If in the past, printed newspapers were the main, now electronic newspapers and social networks have become the main communication channels. Journalists must be both good at content and flexible in technology.

No matter the time, I always believe that the press is not only a means of information, but also a channel to guide public opinion, promote transparency and democracy. In the digital age, that role is even greater, but also comes with great pressure on speed, reliability and social responsibility. The press needs to be fast, but cannot be superficial. It needs to reflect multi-dimensionally, but must not cause confusion.

I hope that the press will continue to be a bridge between the Party, the government and the people; a vanguard force on the ideological front. To do that, the press must innovate strongly - from journalistic thinking to organization and application of technology. Journalists must be proficient in their profession, have the courage, responsibility and pure heart of a professional.

* Thank you!

Source: https://baophuyen.vn/xa-hoi/202506/tu-hao-nguoi-lam-bao-0d6571a/