Mechanism to support high-quality journalism: Creating a breakthrough in the quality of works

In the context of Vietnamese journalism facing unprecedented challenges from the digital media environment, the high-quality journalism support program has become an important "support" to strengthen the protection of the Party's ideological foundation; a key tool for the team of creators to create in-depth works, promptly combating wrong views and distorted information in cyberspace.

That was the comment of Mr. Phan Toan Thang, Chief of Office of the Vietnam Journalists Association at the Conference to review the implementation of Decision No. 558/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister on the Program to support creative activities of literary, artistic and journalistic works and projects held on April 21 in Hanoi.

Positive impact on journalistic life

According to Mr. Phan Toan Thang, the Program supported more than 5,500 journalist members, received 5,529 high-quality press works of various types; organized conferences and seminars on press skills to help press agencies improve the quality of their works...

Mr. Phan Toan Thang, Chief of Office of the Vietnam Journalists Association, presented a report on the implementation of Decision No. 558/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister. (Photo: PV/Vietnam+)

The program also contributes to improving the quality of the journalism team. Through political and professional training courses organized with financial support, thousands of members of the Journalists Association have been equipped with sharp political vision, modern working skills, improved adaptability to digital transformation and narrowed the information gap between regions.

Thanks to the financial support, reporters in remote, border and island areas have the opportunity to go on long-term field trips, honestly reflecting the "breath of life," creating a balance in the national information flow and making a breakthrough in the quality of their work. The works invested in from the support have become effective propaganda tools for the Party's policies; a forum for healthy social criticism and a weapon in the fight against "self-evolution and self-transformation."

Despite its practical impact on journalistic life, the implementation of the Program still has shortcomings. Specifically, the competent authorities of some localities have not allocated funds to the Provincial Journalists Association to implement Decision 558 of the Prime Minister. Some Journalists Associations have been allocated funds but have not fully disbursed them.

Regarding the difficulties in implementing the Program, Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam Journalists Association Nguyen Duc Loi said that the average level of support for a work is still very low. The support is scattered, focusing only on existing creative sources without paying attention to the nurturing of young talents, who are the bridge and transition from the previous generation.

Proposal to double support

According to Mr. Nguyen Duc Loi, in the current era, information technology and digital technology are developing rapidly, the previous media and communication models are no longer suitable. Technology and means of journalism are increasingly changing towards modernization and professionalization, requiring large investments in finance and human resource training.

In that context, the press economy is increasingly difficult as the cost of modern journalism technology and investment in high-quality human resources is increasing.

Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam Journalists Association Nguyen Duc Loi. (Photo: PV/Vietnam+)

Mr. Loi cited evidence: All three main sources of press revenue have decreased sharply: Budget expenditure for press is still low (regular expenditure is below 0.5%, investment expenditure is below 0.3%). Revenue from press advertising has decreased, especially print newspapers. Revenue from online advertising of press agencies is only about 30%; 70% of online advertising has been lost to cross-border platforms such as Facebook, Google, YouTube, TikTok.

“In the context of the increasingly complex and volatile world political and economic situation, the tasks for the press are increasingly heavy and difficult with many new characteristics, the Journalists Association at all levels and journalists nationwide really need the attention and support of the Party and State in adjusting the level of support funding to have more funding sources to access modern working methods in the context of digital transformation and have the conditions to devote themselves to working in the context of natural disasters, catastrophes or epidemics,” said Mr. Nguyen Duc Loi.

Accordingly, the Vietnam Journalists Association proposed that the State allow the continued implementation and expansion of the High-Quality Journalism Support Program to the 2026-2030 period with a budget increase of at least 200% to meet new requirements; add a specific mechanism to directly support journalists working in natural disaster and epidemic areas, strategic areas of security and defense, and allow the establishment of a Fund for Developing Young Journalist Talents from support funds, focusing on training the next generation of journalists.

Contributing solutions to create high-quality journalistic works, journalist Pham Doan Anh Kiet, Executive Vice President of Phu Yen Journalists Association, said that journalists need to have a systematic investment process from creative thinking, working skills, problem approach to form of expression.

Conference scene. (Photo: PV/Vietnam+)

This poses an urgent requirement for the Phu Yen Journalists Association to support and foster journalism skills, organize field trips to create works... to create the best conditions for journalists in the process of creating works.

Phu Yen Journalists Association always encourages and creates favorable conditions to support reporters to explore unique topics, access multi-dimensional information, and reflect truthfully and sharply on "hot" issues in the locality.

“A strong press develops when it constantly innovates, when journalists are always ready to step out of their comfort zone, seek different perspectives and infuse each work with creativity, professional courage and deep social responsibility,” said Mr. Kiet.

From the funding for high-quality journalistic works, Phu Yen Journalists Association has proactively allocated and ordered journalistic works, creating conditions for potential works to be completed and upgraded, and be competitive enough in journalism awards. In addition, the Journalists Association also focuses on honoring and rewarding excellent works to promptly encourage and motivate the creativity and dedication of the team of journalists.

“When the awards are widely spread, that is also the time when the professional spirit is awakened, urging reporters and journalists to commit more, delve deeper into life topics, truthfully reflect reality and convey positive messages to the community,” said Mr. Kiet./.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/co-che-ho-tro-bao-chi-chat-luong-cao-tao-su-dot-pha-ve-chat-luong-tac-pham-post1034150.vnp