President of the Voice of Vietnam and Head of the Festival’s Organizing Board Do Tien Sy (Photo: VTC)

The festival’s theme “Flexible transformation - beyond adaptation” embraces several meanings that highlight the rapid development of science and technology which is forcing radio broadcasters to shift their content and delivery methods toward digital transformation. In the wake of strong development of social networks, broadcasters are changing their approach and becoming more interactive to get closer to audiences. This year’s theme also shows the radio industry’s effort to flexibly follow the Party and State’s policies on the fight against COVID-19.

President of the Voice of Vietnam and Head of the Festival’s Organizing Board Do Tien Sy said: “More than ever, radio staff should work together to find the best way to develop the industry. With diversified sources of news and easy access, VOV and local radio stations have always been a popular choice for reliable news. Broadcasters need to renovate the content and production methods to meet audiences’ needs.”

Over the years, radio programs have covered many national issues, reflecting the Party and State’s policies and guidelines, the fight against COVID-19, socio-economic activities, and good people and good deeds. Modern radio has much improved its production methods to cover issues in a more practical and appealing way. The COVID-19 pandemic is a testimony to the effort to adapt to changes in the broadcasting industry.

Journalist Cong Vinh from the Voice of Ho Chi Minh City’s People (VOH), said: “One year ago when Ho Chi Minh city was hardest hit by COVID-19, reporters and editors working from home were connected by technology. We reflected the fight against COVID-19, the life of people during social distancing time, COVID-19 testing, and vaccination. A VOH’s COVID-19 news bulletin posted on the website and fanpage reported up to 2 million followers per day. We updated news on the pandemic, spread official messages, and encouraged people to unite and overcome the pandemic.”

VOVworld’s French section produces a livestreamed show featuring Kenjah David, a French music ambassador to Vietnam (Photo: Khiem Huan)

With the slogan “Connectivity-Convergence-Convenience”, VOV’s Overseas Service (VOVworld) is promoting Vietnam to the wider world through different platforms including its fanpage, YouTube, podcasts, and Google Spotify. Radio programs are now accessible on the Internet and smart phones. Radio programs are streamed online to reach listeners quickly.

At the National Radio Festival, VOVworld’s French section produced a livestreamed show featuring Kenjah David, a French music ambassador to Vietnam. Tran Thi Thanh Phuong, Head of the French section, said: “To livestream a program, it requires both image and sound quality. Our team spent a lot of time preparing for the show and ensuring the quality of the program. We also inserted illustrative photos and video clips to make the show more exciting and lively.”

The development of technology and the public’s increasing needs for information update will provide opportunities for radio broadcasters to flexibly transform, constantly renew themselves, and adapt to all social changes.