HCM CITY — The rapid growth of digital media, how traditional media can compete with social media and how the media can ensure its financial survival were among the main issues discussed at the annual national conference held yesterday in HCM City to review the media’s performance in 2017.

According to a report by the Ministry Information and Communications, in 2017 the media followed the leadership of the Party and State, provided prompt, accurate, and comprehensive coverage of political and socio-economic issues affecting the country and world, and served as a trustworthy forum for the public.

It efficiently performed its function of monitoring and criticising shortcomings in society, uncovered cumbersome, wasteful and corrupt activities, actively encouraged outstanding individuals and groups, strongly fought against the enemy’s misinformation and strengthened public trust in the Party and the Government, the report said.

It shone a light on the accomplishments in the renewal process, offered solutions to various problems and took on corruption, squander and social evils.

The media also promoted the image of Việt Nam globally and upheld the nation’s position in the international arena.

However, problems remained, including encroachment into unrelated areas by media organisations and inaccurate information, which impacted on national interests and the prestige of organisations and individuals, the report said.

It also highlighted the financial burdens on many newspapers as they strived to remain in operation and improve the lives of employees.

 “To improve the financial situation, the media should increase their online sales,” Trần Minh Hùng, editor-in-chief of Sài Gòn Economic Times Group, said.

“Besides, the media should join hands to become a large network that can compete with huge social networks like Google and Facebook to gain advertisements.”

Đặng Thị Thu Hương, head of the press faculty at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Việt Nam National University – Hà Nội, said the media should change its information model.

“To compete with social media, the media should publish objective, honest and trustworthy news with in-depth analysis to provide deeper understanding for readers.

“Layout and design should be made more colourful and lively.”

Exploiting niches, delivering newspapers for free, taking advantage of the internet and seeking financial support from readers are other things the media can do, she said.

Võ Văn Thưởng, head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Publicity and Education, highlighted the need for good “quality” of information.

“Good information will create a good impression and feeling in readers.”

He urged relevant authorities to carefully monitor media outlets to ensure they remain steadfast to their “principles.”

He urged government agencies to be dynamic about providing information and train officials in dealing with misinformation.

He called on the media to focus on improving the professional skills of their journalists and following all journalistic codes.

“The development of digital technology has had a significant effect on media technology, requiring journalists to improve their knowledge and skills to avoid lagging behind.”

He urged the media to continue disseminating Party Congress and central resolutions and fighting corruption and squander.

The media should act as a forum for people to express their opinions and suggest measures for socio-economic development, defence and security, he said.

Việt Nam has 849 press outlets, 664 magazines, 195 electronic newspaper and 175 electronic news sites, 281 television channels, and 13 million TV subscribers. — VNS