Vietnam's Media Crucial in Shaping International Perception

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Vietnam's mainstream media plays a pivotal role in conveying the government's official stance to the world, according to Rudroneel Ghosh, a senior assistant editor at the Times of India. In an interview marking the upcoming 100th anniversary of Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day, Ghosh highlighted the media’s effectiveness during the COVID-19 pandemic, which helped position Vietnam as a model for crisis management globally.

Ghosh praised Vietnam's press, particularly the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), for providing clear and timely updates that assisted global audiences in understanding Vietnam’s pandemic response. This achievement, he noted, would not have been possible without the dedication and professionalism of the nation's media outlets.

Vietnamese media has also been instrumental in presenting the country’s perspectives on significant international issues. These insights are invaluable to international scholars and observers because they offer viewpoints often missing from mainstream global media.

Over recent decades, Vietnam's media has evolved into a credible channel for showcasing the nation’s development strategies, particularly in economic domains. Ghosh expressed optimism that, amidst global challenges, Vietnamese journalism will maintain high standards and truthfulness, effectively shaping narratives around the country’s policies and achievements.

Addressing wider trends in journalism, Ghosh underscored a concerning shift away from traditional roles of informing the public towards creating narratives that shape opinion. He referenced President Ho Chi Minh’s principle that journalism must serve the people, stressing this is essential, especially now, as media often leans towards manipulation or entertainment.

To restore journalism's core mission, Ghosh urged journalists to tell stories that truly reflect the people's lives and needs. He called for a recommitment by news organisations to a people-centred approach, which could counter misinformation and rebuild trust in media.

By staying true to the philosophy of "putting people at the centre," journalism can preserve its value and credibility in the modern age, Ghosh affirmed.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Vietnam Plus 2025-06-20