On the morning of 19/6, the National Press Festival 2026 opened at the Hai Phong Convention and Exhibition Center. The festival's theme is "Vietnamese Journalism – Loyal, Creative, Responsible in the New Era," marking the 101st anniversary of Vietnamese Revolutionary Journalism (21/6/1925 – 21/6/2026).

In his opening remarks, Trinh Van Quyet stated that the National Press Festival not only serves to honor the journalistic profession but also provides an occasion to reflect on the development journey of revolutionary journalism. This event further motivates the creation of a professional, humane, and modern press.

He noted that for over a century, Vietnamese revolutionary journalism has consistently accompanied the revolutionary cause of the Party and the nation. In recent years, press agencies have intensified restructuring, streamlined their operations, promoted digital transformation, innovated operational models, and gradually shaped a more professional, elite, and modern journalistic landscape.

Trinh Van Quyet, Head of the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Commission, views newspapers at a booth during the National Press Festival 2026. Viet Trung

Amidst profound changes in the media environment driven by digital technology, artificial intelligence, social media, and cross-border platforms, the Head of the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Commission emphasized a crucial point: while technology can alter how information is produced and distributed, it cannot change the mission and ideals of Vietnamese revolutionary journalism.

He urged journalists to uphold Party and public characteristics, remaining absolutely loyal to the Fatherland and the revolutionary cause. Additionally, he called for proactive mastery of technology, application of artificial intelligence, development of converged and multi-platform newsrooms, and a leading role in guiding public opinion in cyberspace.

"Artificial intelligence can write words, but it cannot replace the political courage, conscience, and heart of a revolutionary journalist," he stated.

According to him, journalism must not only reflect the flow of life but also help guide it in a positive direction, fostering social consensus, igniting development aspirations, and inspiring the pursuit of double-digit growth goals to build a powerful, prosperous, and happy nation.

The Head of the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Commission also requested that press agencies remain steadfast in the principle that "content is core, technology is a tool." They should uphold professional ethics, humanity, and political courage, while also innovating governance models, developing a sustainable press economy, and building an elite, professional team of journalists.

He expressed confidence that the nation's journalists will continue to maintain their pioneering role on the ideological-cultural front, contributing to the successful implementation of the Resolution of the 14th Party Congress and national development goals until 2030 and 2045. "The nation cannot thrive without a brave, pioneering, and aspirational press," he reiterated.

Le Quoc Minh, Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan Newspaper and President of the Vietnam Journalists' Association. Viet Trung

Le Quoc Minh, Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan Newspaper and President of the Vietnam Journalists' Association, stated that the National Press Festival 2026 is being held as journalism faces significant demands for innovation to adapt to digital transformation and changes in the media environment. Featuring 87 exhibition booths from press agencies, local journalists' associations, and journalism training and research institutions, the event recounts the development journey of Vietnamese revolutionary journalism while also introducing new trends, technologies, and journalistic models.

A highlight of the festival is the National Press Forum, featuring 11 in-depth discussion sessions on current industry issues, ranging from the restructuring of press agencies and policy communication to the application of artificial intelligence in journalistic activities. "The National Press Festival not only honors the achievements of the nation's press but also serves as an open forum for journalists to listen to the public, enhance connections with readers and audiences, and reaffirm the social responsibility of Vietnamese revolutionary journalism," he said.

Le Tan