9:35:32 AM | 7/3/2026
On June 21, 1925, in Guangzhou, China, President Ho Chi Minh published the first issue of Thanh Nien (Youth) newspaper, marking the birth of Vietnam's revolutionary press. Over the past 101 years, Vietnam's revolutionary press has made significant progress in both scale and quality, improving its programs and publications while steadily adopting modern communications technologies.
Newsrooms embrace AI and data-driven journalism to keep pace with global trends
From its earliest days, Thanh Nien clearly defined its role in informing, educating, and mobilizing the public. Its articles not only raised political awareness but also fostered patriotism, inspired the spirit of struggle, and guided readers toward the proletarian revolution.
Following the path established by Thanh Nien, publications such as Tap Chi Do (Red Magazine), Tranh Dau (Struggle), Dan Chung (The People), Viet Nam Doc Lap (Independent Vietnam), and Co Giai Phong (Liberation Flag) were launched in different historical contexts, each reflecting the specific conditions of its revolutionary period.
The revolutionary press successfully fulfilled its mission of political and ideological education, organization, and training, helping unite and mobilize the people in support of the August Revolution of 1945 and the founding of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. During the resistance wars, the revolutionary press served as a special front within the Party's broader strategic framework.
During the Doi Moi (renovation) period, as the country experienced rapid socioeconomic development and deeper international integration, the revolutionary press continued to play an important role. It not only communicated the Party's and the State's policies and guidelines but also provided in-depth reporting on social issues, participated in oversight and policy review, contributed to the development of laws and regulations, and supported the people's right to participate in public affairs. The press also made important contributions to Party building and the development of a strong and effective State, while helping strengthen public trust.
Amid deep digital transformation and the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI), Vietnam's revolutionary press has continued to reinforce its pioneering role on the ideological and cultural front, constantly innovating to meet the country's development needs and the public's growing demand for information. Many press agencies have developed into multimedia news agencies with capabilities comparable to those in the region and around the world, while the journalism profession has continued to grow, supported by reporters and editors with strong political commitment and professional expertise. Journalists continue to promote positive values, strengthen public confidence, and contribute to the aspiration of building a prosperous and happy nation. This provides an important foundation for Vietnam's press to continue accompanying the country and contributing to national development and defense during this new stage of growth.
In recent years, many large-scale multimedia reporting projects have emerged, using AI, Big Data, data journalism, and solutions journalism, reflecting the media's proactive efforts to keep pace with global technological developments. Alongside coverage of major national issues such as the streamlining of the political system's organizational structure, administrative unit mergers, the implementation of the two-tier local government model, and preparations for Party congresses at all levels for the 2025 to 2030 term leading up to the 14th National Party Congress, journalists have also focused on pressing issues of public concern, including smuggling, commercial fraud, tax evasion, major corruption cases, and food safety violations. Through this work, the revolutionary press has demonstrated its social responsibility and its mission to serve the interests of the nation and its people.
However, alongside these positive developments, the negative effects of the market economy and expanding international exchange and cooperation have also had a significant impact on the press. Globalization and the rapid advancement of digital technology, artificial intelligence, and social media have created new challenges for the revolutionary press. The increasing speed of information sharing in the digital environment has intensified competition to deliver news quickly while requiring press agencies to maintain accuracy and objectivity. The spread of fake news, misinformation, online disinformation, and the growing commercialization of the media have affected public trust. At the same time, the application of artificial intelligence has created new demands related to professional ethics, copyright protection, professional development, and the ability of journalists to adapt in the digital era.
To further enhance the role of the press in the process of reform, integration, and development, many experts believe press agencies should increase research into and application of scientific and technological advances, while promoting digital transformation alongside administrative reform and the development of professional, efficient, and internationally integrated media institutions. Greater attention should also be given to strengthening political commitment, professional ethics, and professional capacity among journalists through training, continuing education, and regular updates on political theory and journalistic skills.
At the same time, greater efforts are needed to accelerate the adoption of digital technologies in journalism, particularly AI, Big Data, and cloud computing, to meet the demands of comprehensive digital transformation. These technologies can improve newsroom management, shorten information processing times, enable more personalized content for different audience groups, and expand the media's influence and ability to guide public opinion.
Over more than a century of development, Vietnam's revolutionary press has established itself as a pioneering force on the ideological and cultural front, remaining closely connected to the country's path and the interests of its people. Throughout each historical period, generations of journalists have made important contributions to the struggle for national independence, as well as to national development and defense. They have also helped build social consensus, inspire aspirations for progress, and strengthen national unity, supporting the country's steady advance into a new era of development.
By Quynh Anh, Vietnam Business Forum
