President Lương Cường meets with outstanding journalists from across the country on Friday. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — President Lương Cường on Friday hosted a ceremony to commend outstanding journalists from across the country, as Việt Nam marked the 100th anniversary of Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925 - June 21, 2025).

Speaking at the ceremony, the President paid tribute to over 500 journalist-martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the service of the revolution, including more than 260 from the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).

He also honoured thousands of deceased journalists whose works have added depth and value to the country’s press tradition, particularly praising the founding role of President Hồ Chí Minh — formerly known as Nguyễn Ái Quốc — who launched Thanh Niên (The Youth) newspaper in 1925 and is regarded as the father of Việt Nam’s revolutionary press.

The launch of Thanh Niên marked a historic milestone in the country’s ideological and organisational preparation for the founding of the Communist Party of Việt Nam in 1930. Since then, the revolutionary press has developed into a core ideological force, contributing significantly to national liberation, reunification and post-war reconstruction.

Delivering a report at the meeting, Deputy Director of the Party Central Committee's Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilisation Lại Xuân Môn highlighted the press's century-long development and its role as a vanguard force on the ideological and cultural front, a principle consistently upheld throughout Việt Nam’s revolutionary path.

Veteran journalists and media leaders attending the event reflected on the legacy of the past 100 years, emphasising both the heroic contributions and the professional challenges of journalism in a new era marked by technological change and evolving media consumption habits.

They discussed the need for reform in areas such as content, technology, workforce training and operational methods to better serve the revolutionary mission in the current context.

President Cường called on the current generation of journalists to uphold the legacy of their predecessors by remaining loyal to the Party's revolutionary ideals, maintaining close ties with the people and adhering to professional ethics and political integrity. He echoed Hồ Chí Minh’s teaching that journalists are also revolutionary soldiers and that pens and paper are sharp weapons.

He noted the continued relevance of this principle, stating that today’s press must boldly expose corruption, wrongdoing and moral decay, while promoting truth, justice and positive social values. The president described this as the "special combat strength" of journalism in the modern era.

Reviewing the role of the press during the country’s various historical stages, Cường said that journalists have accompanied the nation through war, hardship and reconstruction. In the period of Đổi Mới (Renewal) since 1986, journalism has evolved under the strong influence of reformist thinking, remaining a vital voice in national development by reflecting social realities and championing progressive forces.

Looking ahead, the president urged the press to adapt proactively to the digital era, in which science, technology, innovation and digital transformation are becoming strategic pillars.

He called for the development of journalistic content that reflects the spirit of the times, using creative and modern methods of expression, and for the press to gradually build new operational models suitable for the age of digital media.

The president also called on central and local authorities to support the press by improving policy frameworks that ensure journalists can make a living from their profession and remain dedicated to their work.

He emphasised the importance of training, recognising and empowering young journalists to build a new generation of media professionals who are passionate and committed to the revolutionary cause.

Concluding his remarks, President Cường expressed confidence that, with the efforts of the press sector and the support of the Party and the State, journalists — particularly veterans and outstanding individuals — will continue to contribute to the revolutionary mission.

He noted that their talent, experience and dedication provide inspiration and guidance to younger generations, helping uphold the noble traditions of Việt Nam’s revolutionary press and elevate it to new heights. — VNS