Digital technology, internet innovating journalism

Digital technology, the internet and social media are strong incentives to innovate journalism and in the future the main source of revenue for journalism will come from cyberspace, a conference has heard.

Speaking at the plenary session within the framework of the National Press Forum in the 2024 National Press Festival taking place from March 15 to 17 in Ho Chi Minh City, Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung emphasised that digital technology had the first and strongest impact on the field of journalism and communications.

Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung spoke at the plenary session of the 2024 National Press Forum. Photo Le Toan

Digital technology takes away some old jobs but also creates new ones. Therefore, journalistic innovation lies in the fact that the press must do more than what they are currently doing. Journalism needs a space broader than “Who, what, when and where,” which is broader than reporting,” Hung said.

“Innovation is not too difficult. Innovation is finding an easier way to do a more difficult task. That new way of doing things often requires a different point of view, a different approach."

The 2024 National Press Forum is a highlight of the professionalism and modernity of the press, clearly demonstrating the quality and scale of professional activities, exhibition and display activities, as well as cultural and artistic programmes.

This year, the National Press Festival, hosted by the Vietnam Journalists’ Association and co-organised by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, attracted 120 booths to display unique and typical press publications from hundreds of central and local press agencies and all levels of the Vietnam Journalists Association in 63 provinces and cities.

In particular, the National Press Forum was held for the first time with 10 discussion sessions on important and urgent topics of Vietnam's revolutionary journalism in the period of digital transformation, such as, journalism data and content strategy, competitiveness of television in the age of AI, and dynamic broadcasting in a digital environment.

The forum was attended by more than 60 speakers who are experienced domestic journalists and reputable international media experts who have a strong influence and multidimensional impact in their field.

According to Nguyen Trong Nghia, PCC Secretary and Head of the PCC’s Commission for Communication and Education, the Festival was a critical and meaningful event, truly a great event for all levels of journalist associations and journalists nationwide. At the same time, it is an important preparation step towards the 100th Anniversary of Vietnam's revolutionary press in 2025.

According to Nghia, the development of multi-platform journalism, multimedia and data journalism with digital tools such as AI, blockchain technology has created both opportunities and challenges for press agencies as well as journalists.

“The press is facing turning points to ensure the initiative in direction and information guidance in the face of the strong development of social media. Therefore, the press needs to actively transform more strongly, enhance human resource training in professional expertise, pay attention to public research and modern media trends,” Nghia said.

“Journalistic works need to ensure directionality, specificity, attractiveness and personalisation. Every journalist must consciously study, research, and train themselves to have political bravery, cultural foundation, technological skills, and a spirit of dedication and humanity."

Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung (second, left) and Chairman of the Vietnam Journalists Association Le Quoc Minh (third, left) visit the Vietnam Investment Review booth. Photo: Le Toan

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