Nghe An Newspaper has always been a close friend.

A few little memories

More than half a century ago, because our father was a government official, we, while still in high school, were able to read the Nghe An newspaper. It was published once a week, four pages long, in a small format. On holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year), the newspaper usually printed the words "Nghe An" in red, otherwise it was in black. Due to the printing technology at the time, the images were blurry, and we had to imagine them while reading. Back then, books and newspapers were very rare, so whenever we got a newspaper, we would often read it aloud to our grandfather...

Whenever I read newspapers and came across familiar authors, I was filled with admiration. That's why, during my middle and high school years, I wrote for newspapers. I wrote a lot, but it wasn't until 1972, when the Thiếu niên Tiền Phong (Young Pioneers) newspaper published a few riddles, and in 1976, the Nghệ An newspaper published a small article, that I was overjoyed. In my youth, I really wanted to be a journalist, but due to a lack of information and guidance, my dream never came true!

Elderly readers in Thanh Tuong commune (Thanh Chuong district) read Nghe An newspaper. Photo: Phuoc Anh.

As a civil servant, following the example of those who came before me, I usually check the news in the newspapers every morning. I read any articles that are necessary and relevant to the district immediately. I still maintain the habit of saving good articles and valuable materials from newspapers, as well as issues containing my articles.

In the district, we submit monthly reports on the distribution of Party newspapers in the area; we strictly supervise the ordering and implementation of Party newspapers, and provide feedback to the newspapers. Quarterly reports are also provided, commending units that perform well, reminding and offering solutions for those that do not perform well.

Once, a certain commune was preparing to celebrate its founding anniversary. The Party Secretary invited me to write an article about the commune. On my day off, I invited a veteran reporter from Nghe An Newspaper to come with me. We visited the commune, toured the newly constructed facilities, and met with many elderly Party members, retired officials, and full-time staff before working with the commune's leaders. The resulting article was quite elaborate and substantial, accompanied by photos, and published on the front page of Nghe An Newspaper.

The more we cherish it, the more we want Nghe An Newspaper to be sharper and more practical.

Whenever I travel outside the province, I often buy newspapers from other provinces to read. To be fair, Nghe An Newspaper can proudly claim to be one of the outstanding local newspapers in both content and format. Nghe An was one of the first provinces to have both print and online newspapers; the daily newspaper is 8 pages long, beautifully designed, and printed in large quantities. The content is quite broad and rich, with many "core" sections and numerous high-quality articles that leave a lasting impression on readers. The management team, reporters, and editors are strong, dedicated, and insightful, always upholding the "ethics" of the newspaper. Many famous journalists, managers, and scientists from within and outside the province collaborate and write articles for the newspaper. The newspaper deserves the prestigious title of Heroic Labor Unit in the Renovation Period.

Nghe An Newspaper's collaborators' conference in 2020. Photo courtesy of Duc Anh.

The ever-increasing demands require newspapers to be constantly dynamic, creative, and innovative. Here are a few key points:

The newspaper must be "gentle but strong":Party newspapers are the voice of the Party committees and government, and a forum for the people. Regarding negative incidents that have been concluded and dealt with, there should be investigative reports and articles detailing the specifics – this is a topic that many people follow. I believe this is also a fact, leaving practical lessons for cadres and Party members. While such content exists in newspapers, it is not yet sufficient and does not adequately reflect the fight against corruption and negative practices nationwide and in the province, nor the information needs of cadres, Party members, and the people.

There should be more dedicated sections and special issues:Previously, Nghe An Newspaper had special sections focusing on specific industries or districts. These sections included articles by reporters (usually reputable ones) and articles by local leaders and officials. The newspaper should revive and improve the quality of this section. When provincial leaders have work appointments or on the occasion of local or unit's traditional day, reporters are always present to cover the events. On such occasions, instead of simply reporting, the newspaper should invite skilled experts and journalists to collaborate with local authorities and units to create special issues and sections. The content should not only highlight achievements but also thoroughly analyze potential strengths, shortcomings, and areas for improvement. Doing so would elevate the newspaper's standing.

We need more articles from provincial leaders:Newspapers are not only a forum for the Party Committee and the people of the province, but also an effective means of guidance for leaders. Those who work in and read newspapers surely cannot forget the years when the Nhan Dan newspaper published short, powerful articles titled "Things That Need to Be Done Immediately" by NVL – the pen name of General Secretary Nguyen Van Linh. Back then, people photocopied them and passed them around to read. The social impact was enormous, and many cases were handled quickly. These articles made those involved feel anxious and act immediately. Cadres, Party members, and the people felt encouraged, welcomed, and trusted them.

Officials, reporters, and collaborators of Nghe An Newspaper experienced firsthand the Nghi Thiet cement grinding plant (Nghi Loc district), belonging to Song Lam Cement Joint Stock Company. (Photo courtesy of Xuan Thuy)

Newspapers are not just intellectual nourishment, but also sharp and effective ideological weapons. Instead of lengthy theoretical articles, if leaders choose content and issues that are pressing and prominent, "thinking deeply, speaking frankly, writing concisely, and giving decisive instructions," it will create "real action" and decisive results in the province. It doesn't need to be elaborate, literary, or theoretical; sometimes it's simply conveying a directive to a particular industry, organization, locality, or individual, already written in a document. But when it's published publicly, it will have added community oversight and expanded democracy. Effectiveness will be enhanced.

The "Response to the Press" system should be strictly implemented:We must not allow the issue raised by the press to be swallowed up again by "a terrifying silence."

Learning from the good and valuable lessons of our predecessors is right and necessary; there's nothing to be "ashamed" about.

Nghe An Newspaper should organize competitions where people read and follow the newspaper's content.The public plays a crucial role in the vitality of a newspaper. Annual competitions should be organized. Content should be relevant to a wide readership. The public should be allowed to provide feedback and vote on engaging sections and articles, with summaries and awards to encourage writers and readers.