Deputy Prime Minister Vũ Đức Đam delivers speech at a national conference in Hà Nội on Wednesday to review media performance in 2016 and set tasks for 2017. — Photo vtc.vn

HÀ NỘI — Following the rapid development of information technology and the proliferation of various news sources, demand for updated information is rising, provoking fierce competition among media agencies, Deputy Prime Minister Vũ Đức Đam said at a national conference in Hà Nội on Wednesday to review media performance in 2016 and set tasks for 2017.

According to a report on journalism work in 2016, the media followed the leadership of the Party and State, providing prompt, accurate, and comprehensive coverage of political and socio-economic issues affecting the country and the world, while serving as a trustworthy forum for the people.

The sector made significant contributions to the success of the 12th National Party Congress and the election of deputies to the 14th National Assembly and the People’s Council at all levels for 2016-21. The press promoted achievements in the course of the renewal process, suggested solutions to various matters and combated corruption, wastefulness, and social evils. Journalism also acted as an external information service, promoting the image of Việt Nam and upholding the nation’s position in the international arena.

However, problems remain in press activities, including violations in the licensed principles of media organisations, as well as inaccurate information impacting the national interest and the prestige of organisations and individuals.

Speaking of challenges faced by Vietnamese journalism, Deputy Prime Minister Vũ Đức Đam mentioned the financial burden many newspapers suffer to maintain their operation and improve the life of employees.

Following the development of diversified sources of information, the Deputy PM urged Governmental sectors and agencies to adapt to changes so as to actively provide information, and prepare officials with the necessary skills to deal with misinformation.

Đam also highlighted the importance of codes of ethics and journalists’ initiatives in establishing clubs and forums on major social issues. This will help ministries and sectors strengthen the provision of information for the media.

“I hope that Vietnamese journalism will always maintain the trust of the community, society, and people, so that incorrect and misinformed news sources will be reduced and not harmful to the public,” he said.

Võ Văn Thưởng, head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Publicity and Education said that the fourth industrial revolution and the development of digital technology have had a significant effect on media technology, requiring journalists to improve their knowledge and skills so as to avoid lagging behind.

He called on media, in the future, to continue focussing on the dissemination of the 12^th Party Congress’ resolution and central resolutions, and the fight against corruption and wastefulness.

Journalism must be a forum for people to express their opinions and put forward solutions for socio-economic development, defence and security, he said.

He also requested media agencies pay attention to improving professional skills for journalists and ensure journalistic ethic codes are implemented. — VNS