The number of media outlets nationwide decreased by 18 compared to 2018.

On the morning of December 28th, in Hai Phong City, the Central Propaganda Department, in coordination with the Ministry of Information and Communications and the Vietnam Journalists Association, organized the National Press Conference to summarize the work of 2019 and implement tasks for 2020.

Attending the conference were Comrade Vo Van Thuong - Member of the Political Bureau, Secretary of the Central Committee of the Party, Head of the Central Propaganda Department; and Comrades Vu Duc Dam - Member of the Central Committee of the Party, Deputy Prime Minister; Thuan Huu - Member of the Central Committee of the Party, Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan Newspaper, President of the Vietnam Journalists Association; along with more than 600 delegates representing leaders of many Party and State agencies, press management and supervision agencies, governing bodies and press agencies. Photo: Thanh Duy

Representing Nghe An province were Comrade Kha Van Tam - Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Deputy Head of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee's Propaganda Department; and representatives from the province's press agencies. Nghe An Newspaper was represented by Comrade Ngo Duc Kien - Deputy Editor-in-Chief.

The conference heard a report evaluating press work in 2019, and outlining directions, tasks, and solutions for 2020. The report affirmed that 2019 was a year with many important milestones in the direction, management, and operation of the press.

The press has vividly, truthfully, and promptly reflected important developments in the political, economic, and social life of the country; actively propagated and promoted the image of the country, its people, and the achievements of Vietnam's reform to international friends; propagated the sovereignty over the sea and islands; and proactively participated in the struggle to protect the ideological foundation of the Party and refute the erroneous views of hostile forces.

Comrade Le Manh Hung, Deputy Head of the Central Propaganda Department, presented a report assessing the work of the press in 2019 and outlining directions, tasks, and solutions for 2020.

However, according to assessments, journalistic activities still have some shortcomings and limitations, including the continued occurrence of false information, careless and politically insensitive information, and the dissemination of information related to negative issues, the dark side of society, sensationalism, and clickbait.

Some representative offices, resident reporters, and collaborators of local press agencies operate beyond their assigned functions and duties; violating the Press Law and professional ethics…

In 2019, state management agencies conducted inspections and imposed administrative penalties on 29 media outlets, totaling over 675 million VND. The violations penalized were primarily related to disseminating false information with serious consequences.

The conference was attended by 600 delegates, including representatives from various government agencies and media outlets. Photo: Thanh Duy

In a democratic, serious, and responsible spirit, the Conference devoted considerable time to listening to delegates' presentations, discussions, and exchanges on issues of concern in journalistic work as well as the life of the press and media, especially in the context of the National Plan for the Development and Management of the Press until 2025 and the review of the first three years of implementing the 2016 Press Law.

Implementing the press planning, in the first 11 months of 2019, the whole country reduced the number of press agencies by 18 compared to 2018. As of November 30, 2019, there were 850 press agencies, including 179 newspapers, 648 magazines, and 23 independent online press agencies; there were 72 agencies with broadcasting licenses, including 2 national stations, 64 local stations, and 5 television channels.

The conference took place in Hai Phong City. Photo: Thanh Duy

Currently, there are over 41,000 people working in media agencies across all four types nationwide, of which 20,407 have been issued journalist cards.