VOV hosts "Radio and Peace" talk to mark World Radio Day, February 13 (Photo: Duc Anh/VOV5)

Over the past nearly 80 years, the Voice of Vietnam has upheld its role as Vietnam’s mouthpiece and the voice of the Party, State and people. It has been a friendly and reliable bridge connecting Vietnam with friends around the world. VOV has contributed to strengthening great national unity for the Vietnamese people to win victory after victory in national construction and defense.

Voice of Vietnam- Voice of conscience, struggle for peace

During the war, the Voice of Vietnam updated information from the battlefield, broadcast President Ho Chi Minh’s New Year greetings, and produced stories to encourage soldiers and civilians to fight for national reunification and continue production.

VOV delivered President Ho Chi Minh’s Declaration of Independence solemnly declaring the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam

On the Voice of Vietnam, many important documents and announcements of the Party and State were broadcast, including the 1946 Appeal for national resistance, the 1973 Paris Agreement, and news about the 1975 victory. For many people, stories on VOV have long been part of their life. Major General Ho Si Hau, former Director of the Economic Department of the Ministry of National Defense, recalled the feeling of listening to VOV in the middle of the Truong Son forest during the war.

"At that time, the Voice of Vietnam was the only information channel for soldiers. Our unit had only one radio set and we had to gather together to listen.  Listening to music and stories late at night, especially news about the war encouraged us a lot. Songs on the radio were a source of great encouragement for us," said Hau.

Peace is the aspiration of people all over the world, and the Vietnamese people and the Voice of Vietnam are especially aware of the value of peace. In that spirit, VOV has consistently broadcast radio programs that promote and praise peace, contributing to building a humane society and a peaceful world.

VOV's Vice President Pham Manh Hung (second from right) speaks at the "Radio and Peace" talk (Photo: Duc Anh/VOV)

VOV’s Vice President Pham Manh Hung said: "In the current world context, the Voice of Vietnam and other radio stations around the world are more aware of their role. If radio promotes the spirit of humanity, the spirit of tolerance, the need for friendship and cooperation, and the world's aspiration for peace, then radio will contribute to creating peace in the world and also ending war. That is the noble mission that radio broadcasters need to pursue and serve."

In the digital era, radio broadcasters in general and VOV in particular are facing competitive pressures. Radio stations much constantly renewed themselves and promote their strengths to deliver information quickly, accurately, and reliably to the public. The steady growth of the audience is a good sign for radio stations like the Voice of Vietnam.

Journalist Nguyen Cam Thi of VOVWorld said: "Interaction with listeners on modern communication networks has increased a lot, but the audience on shortwave has been maintained. Every week, every month we gain new listeners. That shows that foreign listeners still want to listen to shortwave and they consider it a cause for celebration to find a frequency that carries radio programs from a faraway country."

Associate Professor, Dr. Bui Hoai Son of the National Assembly's Committee on Culture and Education, said: "It's important that we change our mindset. We focus on the audience in our services and stories. Radio plays a very important role in our society. By adapting to society, the role and meaning of radio is better promoted. Radio has a strong place in today's information society."

While delivering timely, accurate and interesting information to audiences around the world, the Voice of Vietnam has made great strides in the digital revolution to reach more people, bring people closer together, and promote peace around the world.