Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc delivers speech at a meeting with journalists from across the nation yesterday on the 91st anniversary of the Việt Nam Revolutionary Press Day. — Photo nguyenxuanphuc.org

HÀ NỘI – Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc asked media agencies to further promote their core role in providing information to the people while speaking at a meeting with journalists from across the nation yesterday on the 91st anniversary of the Việt Nam Revolutionary Press Day. 

“Journalists must be continually innovative and creative to find new methods and content in order to meet the people’s demands,” he said, adding that the success of the press contributes to protecting the Party and socialist regime as well as developing the country. 

Former President Hồ Chí Minh on June 21, 1925, published the first print of the Thanh niên (Young People) newspaper, laying the foundation for national journalism that developed throughout the wars against the Japanese, French and Americans. June 21 was later designated as the Việt Nam Revolutionary Press Day.

Hailing journalists’ efforts in past years, PM Phúc noted that increasingly complicated regional and global situations require more media contributions to the cause of national protection and development. 

He expressed hope that Việt Nam’s revolutionary press would continue to effectively popularise the Party and State’s policies and laws, while rejecting wrongful allegations and creating social consensus. 

The PM also called on journalists to join the cabinet’s efforts to build a professional and modern administrative system and an incorruptible, transparent and effective Government. 

The press should also make more contributions to the reform of administrative procedures to better serve people and businesses, he added. 

During the meeting, reporters also voiced their proposals to the Government on how to enhance co-ordination on reporting about the Government’s activities, as well as specific policies to increase the effectiveness of the media system.

Press award

On the occasion of Việt Nam Revolutionary Press Day, a ceremony for the National Press Award for 2015 was held yesterday in Hà Nội, marking the biggest ever volume of submissions to compete for the decade-old award.

The award attracted 1,660 press works from 169 media agencies, reporters and writers, and saluted the most outstanding ones that demonstrated the quality and success of national journalism.

This time, there were eight A prizes (the highest award), 25 B prizes, 40 C prizes and 14 consolation prizes in four journalism fields: print and online newspapers, radio and television.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Trần Đại Quang highlighted the success of the press throughout the year, but said there is still much work to do at a time when the country is facing big challenges due to territorial conflicts, religious issues and terrorist threats all over the world.

“The press has a heavy burden and mission,” said the President “You are expected to make changes in content, improve technological infrastructure, secure information systems and create works that attract citizens and integrate with the world at the same time.” — VNS