Change for progress

ABO/NDO- Over the past full century since the founding of Thanh Nien (Youth) — Viet Nam’s first revolutionary newspaper (21 June 1925 – 2025) — history has witnessed the growth and maturity of Viet Nam revolutionary press.

This journey has witnessed the press standing shoulder to shoulder with the nation: from the struggle for independence and freedom, the protection of revolutionary government, the reunification of the country, to the construction of a strong and peaceful Viet Nam. It has reflected the image of a powerful yet approachable Viet Nam, while building a diverse, multimedia, and increasingly modern press and communication system.

The pen has always been a sharp weapon on the ideological front. And it is precisely those unyielding pens that once gave voice to the aspirations for national liberation and peace. They guided actions during pivotal moments when the country needed transformation, whether to overcome economic hardship or to build a just, democratic, and civilised society.

Revolutionary Press attracts numerous young people.

Over the past 100 years, multiple “revolutions” have been conducted within the press itself, which has grown increasingly rich in tradition. The revolutionary press has fulfilled several historical missions and now faces the urgent need for meaningful change, both in quantity and quality. This necessity is reflected in the evolving realities of society and the everyday activities of journalism. Even institutions with long-standing traditions — “elders” of the industry —are now fervently embracing change.

Rather than wrapping itself in flashy attire following a period of multimedia expansion, the press is now pursuing a path of streamlining and strengthening. Newsrooms are becoming platforms for conveying critical messages from the Party and the state to the people, and vice versa. They serve as representatives and voices for citizens across all regions whenever there is a need to speak up, contribute ideas, or provide feedback to leaders at all levels. Whether through written articles, televised reports, or radio broadcasts, these are merely vehicles for the message. What truly matters is the substance and intention that each journalist aims to convey, as it is the very foundation upon which impactful journalism is created and received.

Amidst the sweeping development of science and technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications are increasingly becoming powerful tools for humans, including journalists who tirelessly search for stories from everyday life. But above all, the requirement for journalists is the commitment and the willingness to face hardship and even sacrifice in the service of delivering accurate and meaningful information to readers, listeners, and viewers. That is a distinctly human quality, one that no software, however “intelligent,” can replicate. For life always stems from tangible realities; it is ever-changing and quietly resilient.

The shifting ways in which the public consumes information, alongside the current revolution within Viet Nam’s media landscape, are unfolding right as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Revolutionary Press Day. Every change stirs a mix of emotions including nostalgia for the old and hope for the future. And for the revolutionary journalists, capturing the vitality of life’s newness is essential.

(Source: NDO)