 Thanh Nien newspaper is Vietnam’s first revolutionary press publication (Photo: VOV5) |
Vietnam’s revolutionary journalism began with the first publication, on June 21, 1925, of the Youth newspaper founded by Nguyen Ai Quoc, later known as Ho Chi Minh.
Mission of serving the country and people
Founded to serve the revolution, Vietnamese journalism has played a pivotal role in national liberation, construction, defense, and renewal. From its inception, Vietnam’s revolutionary journalism has been deeply rooted in the people, centered on workers, farmers, and patriotic intellectuals who are not only its main audience and source of information but also active participants in producing and shaping its content.
Vietnam’s revolutionary press has reflected the national spirit, connected all social strata, mobilized collective strength, and reinforced the great national solidarity bloc. From cities to rural communities, from lowlands to remote mountain regions, and from ethnic minorities at home to Vietnamese communities abroad, mainstream journalism has consistently endeavored to connect people through truthful, people-centered, and socially responsible reporting. During national construction and defense, the enduring principle that “the people are the foundation” has been central to the press’s ability to carry out its mission.
 National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man presents gifts to journalists on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day. (Photo: VOV) |
At a roundtable with media organizations in Hanoi on Sunday, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man said: “I’m reminded of the words of President Hồ Chí Minh: Revolutionary journalism is one of the sharpest weapons of the revolution. Journalists must always uphold the code of ethics of revolutionary journalists, committed to serving the Fatherland and the people.”
Embracing opportunities for breakthrough development
In the context of globalization, digital transformation, and a rapidly diversifying information landscape, safeguarding and enhancing the core identity of Vietnam’s revolutionary press has become a mission of critical importance. Content is the soul, the core defining identity and social value, of Vietnam’s revolutionary journalism. But, for the content to reach the public swiftly, effectively, and engagingly, technology is indispensable.
 VOV President Do Tien Sy (Photo: VOV) |
At Sunday’s roundtable, VOV President Do Tien Sy said: “Moving forward, we must continue to encourage communication initiatives based on 'Made-in-Vietnam' digital platforms, adopt a National Strategy on Digital Media until 2035, and integrate media into the national digital transformation program. It’s important to share technologies, standardize data, and enhance our capacity for rapid response in times of crisis. At the same time, we must prioritize resources for training a new generation of ‘digital journalists’, and establish multidisciplinary teams that bring together reporters, engineers, and data experts to elevate our production capacity in today’s multimedia environment.”
The new communication technologies pose many challenges, but also create opportunities for Vietnam’s revolutionary press to amplify its role in connecting people and guiding public discourse in the new media landscape.
Nguyen Trong Nghia, Head of the Party’s Central Commission for Communications, Education, and Mass Mobilization, said: “Celebrating the 100th anniversary of Vietnam’s revolutionary journalism, the Party General Secretary will deliver a message of strategic importance, one that aligns with the Party’s direction as we move toward the 14th National Party Congress. I wish all of you the strength to overcome every challenge and fulfill the noble mission of revolutionary journalism in this new era.”
The history of Vietnamese journalism is deeply intertwined with the nation’s revolutionary path. The 13th National Party Congress defined a vision of building a professional, humanistic, and modern press and communication system.
With a century of proud achievements behind it and bold new directions ahead, Vietnam’s revolutionary journalism will continue to accompany the nation, writing new chapters of success in the era of transformation and development.