New regulations on granting licenses for print and online newspapers.

From February 15, 2017, the issuance of licenses for print and online newspapers, the publication of additional publications, the opening of online newspaper special sections, the publication of supplements, newsletters, and special editions will be carried out according to the regulations in Circular 48/2016/TT-BTTTT.

"Father Nguyen Dinh Thuc incites parishioners."

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Accordingly, the Minister of Information and Communications grants licenses for the operation of print and online newspapers; and grants licenses for the publication of additional publications in accordance with the law and the regulations in this Circular.

The Director of the Press Department issues licenses for the publication of supplements; licenses for specialized sections of online newspapers; licenses for the publication of special editions; and licenses for the publication of newsletters for central agencies and organizations, foreign representative offices, and foreign organizations in Vietnam.

The Director of the Department of Information and Communications assists the Provincial People's Committee in granting publishing licenses for newsletters to agencies and organizations in provinces and centrally-administered cities, in accordance with regulations.

Regarding the application process and procedures for granting licenses to operate print media, the Circular clearly states: Agencies and organizations requesting licenses to operate print media (including newspapers and magazines) must submit one set of documents directly or via postal service to the Ministry of Information and Communications.

The application dossier includes: an application form for a print media operating license; a print media operation plan certified by the relevant agency or organization, containing the prescribed contents; a list of the proposed personnel for the print media; a resume of the proposed editor-in-chief; and a sample presentation of the name of the journalistic publication certified by the agency or organization applying for the print media operating license.

Within 90 days from the date of receiving a complete and valid application, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall issue a license for the operation of a print newspaper; in case of refusal to issue the license, a written notification stating the reasons must be provided.

Regarding the application process for granting licenses to operate online newspapers, the Circular stipulates that: Agencies and organizations requesting licenses to operate online newspapers (including online newspapers and online magazines) must submit one set of documents directly or via postal service to the Ministry of Information and Communications.

This application dossier includes: an application form for an online newspaper operating license; an online newspaper operating plan certified by the relevant agency or organization; a list of prospective personnel; a resume of the prospective editor-in-chief; a color printout of the online newspaper's homepage interface certified by the agency or organization applying for the license; and proof of ownership of the domain name with a remaining validity period of at least 6 months from the date of application.

Within 90 days from the date of receiving a complete and valid application, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall issue a license for the operation of an online newspaper; in case of refusal to issue the license, a written notification stating the reasons must be provided.

When a licensed press agency's operating license expires, the managing agency of the press agency shall follow the procedures to request a license for operating print newspapers, online newspapers, publishing publications, supplements, and special sections of online newspapers as stipulated in this Circular. Circular 48 takes effect from February 15, 2017.

According to Infonet