Gia Lai journalists’ congress sets reform for 2026-2031 agenda

Held on April 20-21 at the Provincial Convention Center in Quy Nhon Ward, the congress marked a key political and professional milestone, outlining priorities to improve the quality, credibility and societal impact of local journalism amid rapid changes in the media landscape.

Delegates agreed that journalism must play a leading role on the ideological and cultural front, ensuring accurate dissemination of Party policies and State laws while proactively addressing misinformation and promoting positive social models.

The congress reviewed progress made during the 2020-2025 term, highlighting structural consolidation following an organizational merger. The Association now operates with seven affiliated branches and four professional clubs, maintaining stable and centralized leadership.

Membership expanded to 530, up by 84 from the start of the term, with more than 95% of members actively participating in activities. The focus, however, has shifted beyond numbers to improving political awareness, professional competence and adherence to journalistic ethics.

Coordination with authorities has remained effective, particularly through regular press briefings that support timely information orientation and flexible handling of emerging issues. Collaboration with central media correspondents has also broadened coverage and strengthened the reach of local reporting.

Professional development has been a key priority. Over five years, the Association organized 25 training courses for more than 1,400 participants and hosted five thematic seminars addressing critical issues such as safeguarding ideological foundations, pandemic reporting and business support.

These efforts translated into tangible results, with 937 entries submitted to provincial journalism awards, including 378 prize-winning works. At the national level, 167 entries were submitted, many reaching final rounds. Additionally, 268 high-quality works received funding support totaling over 1 billion VND (approximately 39,000 USD).

Despite these gains, the congress acknowledged persistent challenges, including slow innovation in some branches, limited proactivity among certain members and lagging adaptation to digital media trends.

Looking ahead, the 2026–2031 term will focus on comprehensive reform to address intensifying competition and the rapid evolution of multi-platform media. Priorities include enhancing political and ethical education, improving journalistic quality, strengthening award systems and expanding professional exchanges.

Greater emphasis will also be placed on inspection and supervision mechanisms to safeguard members’ rights and reinforce professional standards.

Đỗ Nguyễn Hùng, President of the Association for the 2020-2025 term, said the next phase requires deeper and more substantive transformation, particularly in improving member quality and reinforcing ethical standards as the foundation of public trust.

The congress concluded that journalism in Gia Lai must not only expand in scale but also improve in accuracy, impact and credibility, positioning itself as a vital force in supporting the province’s sustainable development.

According to journalist Lưu Ngọc Minh, former Standing Vice President of the Provincial Journalists’ Association for the 2020-2025 term, in recent years, the province’s press has effectively fulfilled its role in disseminating the Party’s guidelines and State policies and laws; promptly reflecting social life; highlighting and spreading positive values, effective models, and exemplary individuals and deeds. At the same time, the press has actively participated in the fight against corruption and negativity, protected national sovereignty, and contributed to strengthening public trust.

In the new context, journalism needs to further enhance its combative spirit, humanistic values, and role in guiding public opinion. In particular, the press must proactively identify issues, provide objective and multi-dimensional coverage, and propose solutions; not shying away from negative topics but reporting them in a constructive and humane manner, thereby fostering social consensus.

Emphasizing the Prime Minister’s directives, journalist Lưu Ngọc Minh believes that journalism should create a “cultural space,” thereby upholding professional ethical standards, promoting its role in social criticism, and defending the Party’s ideological foundation. At the same time, it should strengthen policy communication, apply technology, innovate content and operational methods, and help bring the Party’s guidelines into life, effectively serving the country’s development.

With nearly 15 years in journalism, Nguyễn Quang Tấn, a journalist with Gia Lai Newspaper and Radio & Television, has always valued the opportunity to work in a dynamic media environment, one that provides chances to participate in field reporting trips and numerous professional training courses. This continuous process of training has helped him gradually improve his professional skills, journalistic techniques, and mindset.

Additionally, the support from the editorial board of Gia Lai Newspaper in the past and now the management of Gia Lai Newspaper and Radio & Television has enabled him to cover major events such as the 14th National Party Congress, trips to Trường Sa, DK1 platforms, and even assignments abroad.

“The recognition of my works, along with journalism awards at the national, regional, and local levels, has motivated me to continue striving and contributing to the development of provincial journalism. In the future, I hope the Provincial Journalists’ Association will continue to create opportunities for journalists to learn, exchange, and improve their professional skills, thereby making more positive contributions to overall development,” journalist Quang Tấn shared.

Amid organizational streamlining and strong transformation in journalism, the corps of resident correspondents continues to play a vital “bridge” role, contributing to comprehensive coverage of local socio-economic life.

From this reality, journalist Nguyễn Sỹ Thắng, Chief of the Vietnam News Agency’s representative office in Gia Lai and Secretary of the resident journalists’ branch in Gia Lai, believes that comprehensive solutions are needed to build the Association into a true “common home.” First, the Association should proactively connect and coordinate to provide timely and transparent information, especially on issues of public concern. In addition, advising on mechanisms to “commission” high-quality journalistic works tied to local political tasks will create an environment for reporters to work and improve information quality.

Furthermore, the role of the resident branch should be promoted in a substantive manner; journalism awards should be maintained, while member rights protection should be strengthened to build trust in professional activities.

According to the journalist Sỹ Thắng, when properly respected, protected, and supported, resident correspondents will proactively engage with the Association, helping to spread Gia Lai’s image and enhance the quality of local journalism.