Vinh Phuc Newspaper: 73 Years of Development and Growth

During this time, in Vinh Yen province, there was a newsletter from the Department of Information and Propaganda...

When the two provinces of Vinh Yen and Phuc Yen merged, Vinh Phuc had two newspapers: one publicly available to the people, the Vinh Phuc Information newspaper, and one circulating within the Party, the Internal News newspaper. On August 22, 1951, the Provincial Party Committee's Propaganda Department issued Directive No. 14 on "Unifying the two provincial newspapers into one and assigning writing tasks for the provincial newspaper."

August 22, 1951, marks the birth of what is now Vinh Phuc Newspaper.

Stemming from the role and importance of information and propaganda work in the new revolutionary period and in accordance with the Central Party Committee's policy, on September 3, 1962, the Standing Committee of the Vinh Phuc Provincial Party Committee issued Resolution No. 143-QN/TU on "Establishing and appointing leading cadres of the provincial Party newspaper agency." In the Resolution, Comrade Duong Duc Lam, Member of the Standing Committee and Head of the Provincial Party Committee's Propaganda Department, was assigned as the Director of the Party Newspaper agency; Comrade Nguyen Van Tao, Head of the Provincial Information Department, was appointed as the Chief Editor of the Party Newspaper agency; and several comrades from the Provincial Information Department were transferred to work as staff of the Party Newspaper agency. Subsequently, the Vinh Phuc Newspaper also recruited several comrades to work in the content department and handle administrative management.

The Vinh Phuc Newspaper has shown remarkable growth. Its staff, editors, and reporters are all former propaganda officials from various sectors, possessing strong political convictions and expertise; most have attended short-term or long-term journalism training courses at the Central Propaganda School. In addition to professional writers, the newspaper's editorial office has done a good job with its contributors. Hundreds of contributors regularly send news, articles, photos, drawings, poems, and stories to the newspaper; the number of articles from contributors used in each issue accounts for more than 50% of the newspaper's content.

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In terms of content, Vinh Phuc Newspaper has performed its assigned tasks well, promptly disseminating the Party and State's policies and guidelines, and the lives of the people. Sections such as "Agricultural Techniques," "From Tam Dao to the Red River," and "Good People, Good Deeds" have actively contributed to motivating the nationwide movement to compete in production, build socialism, and fight against the US for national salvation. The staff, reporters, editors, and employees of the editorial office worked tirelessly day and night, closely monitoring the grassroots level and vividly reflecting the movements: "Three Ready," "Three Capable"; competing in excellent irrigation and green manure production; excellent livestock farming and tree planting; improving tools to free up shoulders; militia training to shoot down American planes...

In February 1968, the two provinces of Vinh Phuc and Phu Tho were merged to form Vinh Phu province. Comrade Nguyen Tao, Editor-in-Chief of Vinh Phuc Newspaper, was appointed Editor-in-Chief of Vinh Phu Newspaper. The team of journalists who had worked there for many years, along with reporters and printing workers, evacuated to Lap Thach.

On March 1, 1968, Vinh Phu Newspaper printed its first issue, and subsequently published twice a week, with a circulation of 4,500-5,000 copies per issue.

This was also the time when we launched the Tet Offensive and Uprising of 1968, which thrilled the people and soldiers throughout the country. Vinh Phu Newspaper published many news articles and photos celebrating the resounding victories on battlefields across Southern Vietnam. In harmony with the nationwide spirit of production and support for the front lines, along with the army and people of the province, the reporters of the newspaper, with the spirit of "Wherever the enemy attacks, we will go," were present to promptly report, write articles, and take photos highlighting the courageous spirit of our army and people, resolutely crushing the US Air Force's plot to return North Vietnam to the "Stone Age." The pages of the newspaper prominently featured the resounding victories of our army and people.

Following the reunification of the country and in celebration of the 2nd and 3rd Provincial Party Congresses and the 4th National Party Congress, Vinh Phu Newspaper closely followed its political mission with the slogan "All for production, all for Socialism." For a long time, the newspaper focused on extensively publicizing the atmosphere of labor and production emulation, highlighting exemplary collectives and individuals who achieved high results in agricultural production; and the widespread movements to build "Uncle Ho's Fish Ponds" and "Uncle Ho's Fruit Gardens." In particular, the newspaper published a series of articles reflecting the movement to "green barren land and hills," planting native trees on hills, cultivating cassava, tea, lacquer trees, etc., and raising livestock and poultry... carried out in production teams and groups using the new contract system, in accordance with the spirit of Directive 100 of the Central Party Secretariat.

Entering a new era, the newspaper embarked on implementing the five-year plan (1986-1990) with two strategic tasks: building and firmly defending the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and focusing on improving the management mechanism, eliminating the bureaucratic and subsidized system, and creating new impetus for the country's development. The newspaper successfully carried out the task of "collectively encouraging and propagating" the entire population's efforts to achieve the target of producing 400,000 tons of food; and promoting the implementation of the Central Committee's reform policies on "Prices - Wages - Currency." The newspaper opened special sections such as: "The People Know - The People Discuss - The People Do - The People Inspect"; "Renewing Thinking, Renewing Doing"... The newspaper had a circulation of nearly 7,000 copies per issue.

Entering 1991, the year of the 6th Provincial Party Congress and the 7th National Party Congress (June 1991), the Congress adopted the Platform for National Construction during the Transition Period to Socialism; the Strategy for Economic and Social Stabilization and Development until 2000... Vinh Phu Newspaper continued to promote the reform of economic management; the implementation of Resolution No. 10 in agriculture; cultural and social activities, national security and defense, Party building, government, and mass organizations... and actively participated in the fight against corruption and social evils. Many articles helped readers gain new perspectives on the reform, construction, and defense of the Fatherland during this period.

In July 1992, the newspaper expanded its scope; in August 1994, it began publishing three issues per week (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays); the first issue of Vinh Phu Saturday was launched on August 20, 1994, to commemorate the 49th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2nd.

Throughout the years from 1993 to 1995, implementing the Resolution of the 7th National Party Congress and the Resolution of the 7th Vinh Phu Provincial Party Congress, the newspaper effectively propagated the Party's reform efforts and the socio-economic development tasks of the locality. In particular, after the 8th National Party Congress (June 1996), the newspaper published many articles summarizing experiences; praising advanced models, farmers who became wealthy, and poverty reduction efforts...

For 29 years since the unification of Vinh Phuc and Phu Tho provinces, the Party Committee's newspaper has upheld its principles and objectives, proving itself worthy as the Party's vanguard, bringing the Party and State's policies, laws, and regulations into practice; it is the crystallization of the will and strength of the entire people, contributing to the building and protection of the Fatherland, and the building and protection of an increasingly prosperous homeland.

In November 1996, in accordance with the Resolution of the 9th National Assembly, 10th session, on the division of Vinh Phu province, the Editorial Board of Vinh Phu Newspaper promptly prepared the necessary conditions in terms of organization, facilities, and staff and reporters to re-establish Phu Tho Newspaper and Vinh Phuc Newspaper in early 1997.

From January 1, 1997, along with the re-establishment of Vinh Phuc province, Vinh Phuc Newspaper was re-established. At that time, the editorial office of Vinh Phuc Newspaper had 10 staff members, including reporters and editors. Comrade Nguyen Xuan Tuu was assigned to the position of Editor-in-Chief.

From 1997 to 2000, Vinh Phuc Newspaper had to operate temporarily at the headquarters of Vinh Phuc General Trading Company - Lim Forest area, Ngo Quyen ward, Vinh Yen town.

The resources and workspaces for reporters, technicians, and editors were severely lacking (only 3 computers, a few filing cabinets, desks and chairs; 2 cameras). In 2000, the newspaper finally had its official headquarters. Despite these immense shortages, the staff and reporters persevered, striving to overcome difficulties and successfully fulfill the political tasks entrusted by the Party Committee, government, and people. The editorial board promptly advised and developed a layout to expedite publication. The first issue of Vinh Phuc newspaper after its re-establishment was released to readers on January 1, 1997, printed in four colors on pages 1 and 8, with a circulation of 1,600 copies per issue.

By the end of 2001, the Editorial Office had 45 staff members, including reporters and employees. The Party Branch had 17 members, with the Editor-in-Chief serving as the Branch Secretary. The Editorial Office had 5 departments: Administration; Secretariat; Reader Relations; Economics; and Internal Affairs - Culture and Society - Party Building. In 1997, it was published twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays; in 1998, it was published three times a week. The journalists and contributors closely followed the realities of life, promptly disseminating information on policies, campaigns, and emulation movements leading up to the First Provincial Emulation Congress; the movement for national unity in building a cultured life; the rural road construction movement (typically in Yen Lac); and the emulation in efficient production and business… and achieving accomplishments to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of Vinh Phuc province (February 1950 - February 2000). The weekly newspapers regularly publish a feature story, addressing, analyzing, and dissecting many issues of social concern.

The system of categories is designed to be relevant and helpful for leaders and administrators in various sectors: Village and City Stories; Prosperity from VAC (Garden-Pond-Livestock); Plant Protection for a Green and Prosperous Environment; Legal Advice and Understanding; Party Building; Good People - Good Deeds; This Month in History...

In 1999-2000, the newspaper devoted significant space to news articles, photos, and special features promoting the Party Congresses at all levels, including the 13th Provincial Party Congress (2001-2005 term). It also prominently featured the election of deputies to the 11th National Assembly (2002); and included many comprehensive articles and assessments of various aspects of socio-economic development, national security and defense, and Party and government building. Particularly noteworthy were the reports on breakthroughs in infrastructure investment in industrial zones and clusters, contributing to industrial economic development and increased provincial budget revenue in 2001-2002. The newspaper launched the "Vinh Phuc Land and People" contest, publishing hundreds of photos and articles depicting various aspects of the historical and cultural beauty, the spirit of hard work, enthusiastic production, and readiness to fight... giving readers a beautiful picture of the land and people of Vinh Phuc at a very special time after the province's re-establishment.

From 1997 to 2001, the newspaper ensured good distribution: In 1997, it was published twice a week; by the end of 1998, it had increased to three issues per week. Circulation increased from 1,600 copies per issue (1997) to 3,500 copies per issue (2001). New Year's Day and Lunar New Year issues had circulation exceeding 5,000 copies. By early 2002, 90% of Party branches and committees in the province had subscribed to the Party Committee's newspaper, an increase of over 35% compared to 1997. On average, the newspaper published nearly 4,600 news articles, photos, and illustrations each year.

The quality of news articles and photos in the newspaper has improved significantly. The range of genres has become increasingly diverse. Besides providing information and updates on current events; promoting policies and strategies for socio-economic development, ensuring security and social order; and highlighting good deeds and exemplary individuals, the newspaper has published many articles with a strong fighting spirit, including many articles combating corruption and social ills, as well as crime and social vices.

By March 2006, the newspaper increased its publication frequency from four issues per week to five issues per week, while simultaneously restructuring and maintaining its system of sections. At this time, the newspaper had 61 staff members, including civil servants, employees, and reporters, of which 42 were on the state payroll.

In December 2007, Vinh Phuc Electronic Newspaper was published, providing fast, accurate, and comprehensive updates on all aspects of social life, meeting the needs of readers and the requirements of political tasks. In 2013, to better meet reader needs, Vinh Phuc Electronic Newspaper was upgraded with a new interface and added many features such as: internet television, radio; English language page; print newspaper reading... It is one of the modern electronic websites with a rapidly increasing number of visitors and multiple features. The electronic newspaper currently maintains nearly 40 sections, diverse and rich in content, meeting the needs of readers well, and also exchanging and providing information to the websites of many departments, agencies, districts, cities, and towns in the province.

On May 1st, 2010, Vinh Phuc Weekend Newspaper was launched. Vinh Phuc Weekend Newspaper focuses its propaganda themes on cultural and social issues, reflecting deeply and vividly the fields and aspects that readers are interested in, leaving a positive impression on readers.

On August 1, 2011, the Vinh Phuc Sunday Newspaper was published with the theme of Urban Economy, along with a system of special sections that gave readers a fairly comprehensive understanding of the development in many economic sectors of the province. The issues that the Sunday Newspaper addresses in each issue gradually meet the needs of readers and keep pace with the development of the economy, urban areas, trade, and services in the province over the past period.

In addition to investing in and expanding the scale of its publications, the newspaper also publishes special issues annually to extensively publicize events on the anniversaries of its founding.

The newspaper has gradually improved the quality of its daily and weekend/Sunday editions, starting with innovation in management, meetings, planning, plan assignment, monitoring, and checking the implementation of daily and weekly plans, as well as special issues and themed editions. Next, it has arranged and allocated human resources appropriately, fostering initiative, creativity, and a sense of responsibility in assigned positions. Delegating authority and assigning responsibility goes hand in hand with addressing the rights and interests of the staff and reporters in a reasonable manner, creating an open, democratic working environment that encourages creativity throughout the organization.

To meet publishing requirements and to modernize the newsroom, in addition to investing in facilities, the newsroom headquarters is becoming increasingly spacious and well-equipped. Equipment for reporters has also been invested in: most reporters have modern professional cameras, laptops, and audio recorders for their work. Furthermore, with the attention of the Provincial Party Committee and the approval of the Provincial People's Committee, in January 2014, Vinh Phuc Newspaper launched the Electronic Newsroom Project. By October 2014, the electronic newsroom was operational, allowing for a closed publishing process from submitting news, articles, photos, videos, and clips, to editing (all steps), approval, and publication. It also allows for the management, searching, statistics, and reporting of reporter and editor activities... according to a modern process, optimizing publishing steps; improving reliability and accuracy, and reducing manpower and materials. Since then, the Electronic Newsroom model has operated and proven effective in publishing all publications, becoming one of the most modern newsroom models in the northern region.

In November 2015, with the attention and approval of the Provincial Party Committee, the Provincial People's Council, and the Provincial People's Committee, the newspaper commenced the construction of the Vinh Phuc Newspaper Printing House on a total area of ​​nearly 3,000 square meters. The printing house is now completed and operating effectively.

From 2016 to the present, the Party Committee of Vinh Phuc Newspaper has continued to lead its cadres and Party members in fulfilling the tasks assigned by the Party Committee and the people of the province. Closely following the guidance and direction of the Central Government and the province, the newspaper has developed specific propaganda plans that are relevant to the actual situation. Along with this, the newspaper has strongly innovated its content and format, providing readers with beneficial and attractive intellectual nourishment. The daily, weekend, and Sunday editions of Vinh Phuc Newspaper are presented in a more modern and impressive way. The content is increasingly rich. Specialized sections and columns are clearly defined; the amount of information in the daily Vinh Phuc Newspaper is diverse, informing readers about current events in the province, the country, and internationally; disseminating the Party's guidelines and policies, the State's laws and regulations, and the province's policies into life; encouraging and motivating all strata of the people to compete in labor and production; and strongly combating erroneous and hostile viewpoints, protecting the Party's ideological foundation. Criticizing negative manifestations in society and shortcomings in real-life situations helps Party committees and authorities lead and manage the successful implementation of assigned political tasks. Weekend and Sunday newspapers delve into analyzing cultural, social, economic, and urban issues, providing readers with a more multifaceted and insightful perspective on social life. Online newspapers innovate in their presentation style, with concise articles that get straight to the point; using many photos and clips to increase the attractiveness and persuasiveness of journalistic works. Continuing to pursue the goal of the Party Congress Resolution to build online newspapers into a central publication, the newspaper has developed a plan and project for the development of online newspapers, and in September 2019, the Ministry of Information and Communications allowed it to upgrade from an online information website to an online newspaper. From there, online newspapers have determined their development direction to keep pace with modern journalism. Content innovation, increased interaction, and attracting readers from social media platforms have been implemented. Traffic to the online newspaper from its website, app, and fan page has increased significantly. Some articles have been accessed by tens of thousands of readers.

For the past 73 years, the newspaper of the Vinh Phuc Provincial Party Committee has continuously developed in terms of publication scale, staff, and especially the quality of its publications. To date, the newspaper is published daily, with a circulation of nearly 11,000 copies per issue, and most Party branches and committees in the province have access to the Provincial Party Committee's newspaper every day. The online newspaper receives 12,000-15,000 visits daily. The team of journalists has matured in all aspects, meeting the requirements and tasks of innovation, improving the quality of publications, and building a professional, modern, and cultured newsroom.

With achievements over the past 73 years, Vinh Phuc Newspaper has been awarded one Second-Class Labor Medal, one First-Class Labor Medal; Emulation Flags and Certificates of Merit from the Prime Minister, and many Emulation Flags and Certificates of Merit from the Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial People's Committee. In particular, on the occasion of its 70th anniversary (August 22, 1951 - August 22, 2021), Vinh Phuc Newspaper was awarded the Third-Class Independence Medal by the President of Vietnam. Participating in journalism awards organized by the province and the central government, Vinh Phuc Newspaper has won many awards. In 2022, the Vinh Phuc Newspaper staff received a Certificate of Merit for outstanding achievements in responding to the 7th Golden Hammer and Sickle Award; in 2023, it received a Certificate of Merit for outstanding achievements in participating in the first Dien Hong Award. Many reporters participated and won awards, including the Encouragement Award of the Golden Hammer and Sickle Award in 2021; and the Special Feature Award of the Golden Hammer and Sickle Award in 2022. Third prize in the Golden Hammer and Sickle Award 2023; Encouragement prize in the third Political Commentary Competition on Defending the Party's Ideological Foundation, 2023…