(KPL/VNA) Vietnam’s revolutionary press has a glorious journey, standing side by side with the nation throughout its struggle for national liberation and reunification, and the path toward socialism, according to Khamphanh Pheuyavong, Chairman of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee's Commission for Propaganda and Training.

In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)’s resident correspondents in Vientiane on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Vietnam's Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925 - 2025), the Lao official highlighted the role of the revolutionary press in the new era, especially in the face of rapid changes driven by technologies and global media trends.

From the struggles against colonialists and imperialists to the period of Doi moi (renewal) and international integration, the Vietnamese revolutionary press has always played a pioneering role on the ideological and cultural front, he said.

The Lao official emphasised the special role of Vietnam’s revolutionary press in the cause of national defence and construction, asserting that it is not merely a tool for communication, but a powerful fighting force. He said throughout its history, the revolutionary press has served as a sharp ideological weapon of the Vietnamese Party, standing side by side with the people through every transformative stage of the revolution.

Mentioning President Ho Chi Minh’s journalistic philosophy, Khamphanh said it remains a lasting compass for the revolutionary press today. According to the late Vietnamese leader, journalists must maintain a strong political stance, remain loyal to the Party’s ideals, stay close to the people, understand social realities, and continually improve their political awareness, professional skills, and ethical standards.

The press is not only a tool for communication but also a force for organising and mobilising the public, helping to foster national solidarity in the cause of national construction and development, he noted.

Khamphanh said that as the world enters the era of the 4th Industrial Revolution marked by rapid advances in digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI), big data, social media, and the Internet of Things (IoT), Vietnam’s revolutionary press continues to face both great opportunities and formidable challenges. He stressed the need for media organisations to enhance their journalists’ capacity to apply new technologies; and align journalistic responsibilities with political guidelines, legal regulations, and professional ethics.

The press must take a proactive role in monitoring and countering misinformation on social media, maintaining its role in guiding public opinion, and clarifying truth from falsehood amid the fast-moving information situation, he noted.

Regarding the trend of digital transformation, Khamphanh said that this is an inevitable and objective process, reflecting the media's adaptation to changing habits of the public. He pointed out that society has significantly shifted its approach to information, moving away from traditional print and television media toward social media, mobile devices, and online platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

Therefore, the press can no longer remain on the sidelines. Digital transformation must go beyond technology, encompassing content strategy, communication methods, and most importantly, the capacity to verify, clarify, and deliver accurate information to counter the rapid spread of fake news and misinformation on social media, the official added.

KPL