Hồ Quang Lợi, Vice President of the Vietnam Digital Communications Association and former Vice President of the Vietnam Journalists Association. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — As Việt Nam commemorates a century of revolutionary journalism, senior media figures are calling for the press to uphold its founding values of commitment, sacrifice and public service in an increasingly complex media environment shaped by digital transformation and artificial intelligence.

According to official records, 539 journalists have lost their lives in the line of duty during wartime and in the ongoing efforts to build and defend the country. Their contributions are regarded as a source of national pride and a powerful reminder of the profession’s enduring responsibility.

Hồ Quang Lợi, Vice President of the Vietnam Digital Communications Association and former Vice President of the Vietnam Journalists Association, emphasised that journalistic dedication is just as necessary in peacetime as it was during war.

He warned that today’s journalists face a different kind of battlefield - one marked by subtle but intense challenges, including the fight against social injustice and the need to protect core societal values.

He said modern journalism carries considerable risks, even outside armed conflict, and urged reporters to maintain a high standard of professionalism to meet the demands of their role and safeguard themselves.

"We must practice journalism professionally to protect ourselves - and from there, protect the core values of life itself," he said.

Lê Hải, a member of the editorial board of Communist Review. — Photo hoinhabaobacgiang.vn

The call for continued commitment was echoed by Lê Hải, a member of the editorial board of Communist Review.

Reflecting on the publication’s historical roots - dating back to its origins as the 'Red Magazine' - he underscored its close relationship with the Communist Party and its role in reflecting the Party’s ideological development and theoretical progress.

Việt Nam’s revolutionary press tradition, he noted, began with President Hồ Chí Minh’s founding of Thanh Niên Newspaper in 1925. For generations of Vietnamese journalists, President Hồ Chí Minh has remained a model figure, embodying the belief that journalism must serve the people, safeguard their interests and walk hand-in-hand with the revolution.

Hải stressed that revolutionary journalism, under the Party’s leadership, must continue to place the people’s interests at the forefront.

"Journalism must serve the people, protect their interests, and accompany the revolution - while also being a friend who listens to and shares with the people," he said.

Đỗ Phú Thọ, Editor-in-Chief of the Veterans’ Newspaper. — Photo laodong.vn

Đỗ Phú Thọ, Editor-in-Chief of the Veterans’ Newspaper, praised the younger generation of journalists for their strong grasp of technology and ability to adapt quickly to new trends.

He noted that many young reporters today possess more solid professional knowledge than their predecessors and are quick to integrate scientific advances into their reporting.

However, he also raised concerns about an emerging overreliance on technology among some young professionals. This, he warned, may come at the expense of foundational journalistic knowledge and the deep sense of purpose traditionally associated with the profession.

While he acknowledged that this trend is not universal, he called for greater awareness and reflection within the industry.

"A segment of young journalists today shows signs of neglecting the profession’s core values - commitment and passion," he said.

"While this doesn’t apply to all, its existence is concerning and needs to be taken seriously."

Thọ stressed that journalists are responsible for providing accurate, timely, and multidimensional reporting across a wide range of topics - from politics and economics to culture and education. Doing so, he said, requires more than technical skill; it demands a deep commitment to the values of the profession.

Over the past century, Việt Nam’s revolutionary press has undergone extraordinary growth. Its evolution has been shaped by the dedication of generations of journalists who worked on the frontlines of wars against colonial and imperial forces. Their sacrifices have left a profound legacy that continues to inspire the current generation.

Today, while the context has changed, the spirit of commitment remains vital. According to Hải, this commitment is grounded in unwavering political integrity and a firm belief in the Party’s leadership.

But it is also driven by love for the profession - a passion that motivates journalists to overcome challenges, seek truth and make meaningful contributions to society.

"Those who are truly devoted to journalism will always leave behind valuable intellectual legacies and lasting impact through their work," he said. — VNS