Lessons from Vietnam's Independent Newspaper: Prioritizing National and Ethnic Interests in Journalism

On the afternoon of July 30, at the provincial convention center, Cao Bang province collaborated with Nhan Dan Newspaper, the Vietnam Journalists Association, the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities of Vietnam National University, and the Vietnam Press Museum to organize the scientific conference "Vietnam's Independent Newspaper - Historical Value and Aspirations for Development in the New Era." The conference aimed to reaffirm the role and significance of "Vietnam's Independent Newspaper" within the 101-year flow of Vietnamese revolutionary journalism. Participants emphasized the importance of revolutionary journalism in maintaining the mainstream of information flow, especially in the digital age. Discussions also addressed how journalism can ensure its credibility amidst the "race against algorithms" in the era of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence (AI). Under Vietnam's one-party system, media outlets play a role in supporting the implementation of state policies and fostering ideological unity among the populace. The principle of "prioritizing national and ethnic interests," highlighted at this conference, reflects the stance of seeking journalism to contribute to social stability and development under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam. While the advancement of digitalization and the introduction of AI technology dramatically expand the speed and scope of information dissemination, they also increase the risks of spreading misinformation and inflammatory content. Therefore, the role of journalism as a reliable source of information has become more crucial than ever. Vietnam's economy has achieved remarkable growth in recent years. However, the nation faces the challenge of pursuing economic development while safeguarding its sovereignty and interests amidst complex international relations, particularly with China. Media organizations are thus called upon to disseminate information that deepens public understanding and promotes unity, taking into account these domestic and international dynamics.