The story of the "extended arms" of the Party newspaper.

CTV Hai Vuong during a photo shoot. Photo: Ho Dinh Chien

AN ATTRACTIVE PLAYGROUND

During its period of reform, Nghe An Newspaper has risen to become one of the top local newspapers nationwide, fully and promptly reflecting the information taking place in the province. Besides articles on hot, topical issues, analyzed thoroughly and insightfully with a strong fighting spirit, it also features diverse news and articles that fully and promptly reflect various aspects of life, ensuring the criteria of being "fast, accurate, relevant, and engaging."

This achievement is due not only to the collective efforts of the staff and reporters, but also to the contributions of a large team of collaborators both within and outside the province.

Our enthusiastic collaborators are always ready to go the extra mile, staying close to the community, venturing into the forests and seas, to gather quality news and articles... Photo: Huy Thu

The network of collaborators is likened to "an extension of the Party newspaper's arm." They come from many agencies and units, from various regions and professions, and of all ages. Among them are many with journalistic expertise, having worked as reporters, editors, and technicians for newspapers and broadcasting stations from local to central levels. A considerable number are cadres and soldiers in the armed forces, district, commune, and village officials, artists, retirees, students, and farmers...

Although they come from different backgrounds, they share a common passion for journalism, an enthusiasm for journalistic activities, and consider Nghe An Newspaper their common home. Depending on their circumstances, qualifications, skills, and positions, these contributors have made significant contributions to the publication of journalistic products, enriching the content, form, and quality of Nghe An Newspaper's publications.

Reporter Hai Vuong and several colleagues are working in the forest fire area. Photo: Huy Thu

Nghe An Newspaper itself has created an attractive platform for its contributors, allowing each person to showcase their passion and talent. Through collaboration with the newspaper, they also contribute to improving their own knowledge, understanding, and skills…

Mr. Vuong Hong Hai (39 years old) from Quang Trung ward (Vinh City) - an active contributor to the newspaper's photography section - shared: “I am very happy to collaborate with Nghe An Newspaper. Since my photos have been published, I have worked even harder. Journalistic photos are no longer as dry as they used to be; they are more beautiful, artistic, and informative. Collaborating with the newspaper has helped me cultivate a meticulous approach to my work. Each piece published is a joy and a source of motivation for me to stay committed to this side job.”

Viet Hung, a correspondent, is working on a charity program. Photo: Huy Thu

Currently, Nghe An Newspaper has a fairly large network of collaborators with nearly 700 people, including about 300 active and regular collaborators within the province, extending to various sectors and localities, and nearly 80 collaborators outside the province working in many different fields.

It is encouraging that many collaborators possess a modern journalistic mindset and are proficient in multimedia operations, thus reflecting events at the grassroots level in a vivid and comprehensive manner. Besides working according to the editorial guidelines, many collaborators have proactively proposed topics and promptly handled hot news stories, full of the pulse of life.

Reporters working in the heart of the flood zone brave the dangers. Photo: Huy Thu

PASSION AND CONCERN

Today, with the information explosion and the emergence of modern media, journalism must gradually transform itself in a multimedia environment, embracing all the positive elements of the era.

On online news sites, readers increasingly demand a sensory experience—reading, seeing, and hearing—while also being able to interact with the journalists. In such an environment, news contributors need to work even harder to meet these demands.

Timely reflection of the difficulties faced by people in flood-affected areas. Photo: Huy Thu

In addition to moral character and ideological stance, contributors in a multimedia environment need to be dynamic, flexible, and enthusiastic. They must not only be able to write news articles, but also take beautiful photos, shoot and edit videos and clips, and use auxiliary tools to access and process information, and transmit and receive articles.

For collaborators who lack professional journalistic training, it is even more necessary to be proactive in independently researching and exploring methods of journalism and using media... Speaking about collaborating with Nghe An Newspaper, Senior Lieutenant Ha Huu Tan - Propaganda Department, Political Division, 324th Division, said: "Although I haven't received formal training in journalism, my passion, my willingness to learn, and the enthusiastic feedback from the editorial board have constantly motivated me to reflect and improve my writing and reporting skills."

Reporter Ha Huu Tan during a reporting assignment at the unit. Photo: Huy Thu

The common difficulty faced by the team of collaborators is their limited skills and abilities, as many of them lack professional journalistic training. They come to Nghe An Newspaper primarily through their talent and passion for writing and photography, with the desire to convey and reflect the information happening in their localities. Depending on the circumstances and conditions of each individual and each area (rural, mountainous, coastal, island, etc.), the collaborators face different challenges.

However, the widespread development of the internet, social media, and the emergence of modern technologies are fundamental advantages. Collaborators can take advantage of these opportunities to explore, learn, and improve their journalistic knowledge and skills.

According to Viet Hung from Quynh Luu Radio and Television Station, a dedicated contributor to Nghe An Newspaper in the economic field, to produce high-quality, engaging, and innovative works in terms of subject matter, content, and form, contributors must immerse themselves in the realities of society, often facing considerable danger. Being present in flood-stricken areas, storm-prone regions, forest fire zones, in the freezing cold of the night, in scorching hot fields, or out at sea amidst turbulent waves… are all commonplace experiences for contributors working in the field.

Accompanying farmers in the fields late at night. Photo: Huy Thu

Perhaps, in addition to writing talent, passion and a sense of responsibility towards their work are indispensable qualities of journalists throughout history.

Today, despite modern equipment and resources, contributors must also be dynamic, creative, enthusiastic, attentive listeners, and readily available anytime, anywhere, as conditions permit, in order to produce engaging and interesting news articles for readers.