History of the Vietnamese Revolutionary Press Day June 21

Vietnamese Press Day, celebrated on June 21, honors the journalists who have dedicated their intellect, passion, and sometimes even blood and tears to provide readers with quality articles and timely news events. However, not all readers are fully aware of the history behind this significant day.

Why is there a Vietnamese Revolutionary Press Day?

In the history of Vietnamese journalism, the first newspapers began emerging in the 1860s in Saigon, Hanoi, and a few other localities. In the early 20th century, a multitude of newspapers published by Vietnamese people appeared, gathering writers, journalists, and intellectuals into small groups with different political orientations, making it impossible to unite under a single organization. On June 21, 1925, in Guangzhou (China), the newspaper “Thanh Niên”, founded by leader Nguyen Ai Quoc, published its first issue, marking the beginning of revolutionary journalism in Vietnam.

Since the inception of “Thanh Niên”, Vietnamese journalism has raised the revolutionary banner, expressing the will and aspirations of the Vietnamese people while clearly defining the struggle for independence, freedom, and socialism. In summary, “Thanh Niên” initiated an ideological revolution, elevating the traditional ideological foundation of the nation to new heights. President Ho Chi Minh also trained the first generation of proletarian journalists in Vietnam, including figures like Le Hong Son, Ho Tung Mau, Le Duy Diem, and Truong Van Linh.

On June 21, 1925, in Guangzhou (China), the newspaper ‘Thanh Niên’ was established by leader Nguyen Ai Quoc. (Illustrative image).

On June 2, 1950, the government officially decided to establish the “Vietnamese Journalists Association” (now known as the Vietnam Journalists Association). By July 1950, during a meeting in Finland, the International Journalists Organization (OIJ) recognized the Vietnam Journalists Association as an official member of the organization.

In February 1985, at the suggestion of the Vietnam Journalists Association, the Central Committee of the Communist Party issued Decision No. 52 on February 5, 1985, designating the first publication date of “Thanh Niên” as Vietnamese Press Day (June 21, 1925) to enhance the role and social responsibility of journalism, strengthen the relationship between the press and the public, and reinforce the Party’s leadership over journalism. On June 21, 1985, for the first time, journalists across the country organized a celebration for Vietnamese Press Day and commemorated the 60th anniversary of “Thanh Niên”‘s first publication. This day is not only a celebration for journalists but also for the entire nation, as journalism is a cause of the whole people.

On June 21, 2000, commemorating the 75th anniversary of Vietnamese Press Day, at the suggestion of the Vietnam Journalists Association, the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam agreed to refer to Vietnamese Press Day as Vietnamese Revolutionary Press Day.

Journalism – The Companion of Every Household

Journalism clearly expresses the viewpoint of protecting and promoting the national cultural identity and traditions.

After the reunification of the country, journalism in Vietnam has developed rapidly in both quantity and quality, forming a comprehensive system of information, press, radio, and television nationwide. The content of journalistic information has become increasingly rich, effective, and presented in attractive formats.

Journalism has deeply engaged with practical life, discovering, introducing, and promoting new economic models, innovative business practices, and good people and deeds. It has clearly articulated the viewpoint of protecting and promoting the national cultural identity and traditions, encouraging the public to selectively foster advanced cultural elements from around the world while contributing to raising public awareness and preventing negative cultural influences from infiltrating Vietnam. Journalism has organized and inspired many charitable social activities to become a movement embraced by society.

The activities of journalism are continuously evolving in the context of the country’s industrialization, modernization, international integration, and market mechanisms, particularly in this age of information explosion. Facing new demands, Vietnamese revolutionary journalism steadfastly upholds the ideals of the Communist Party of Vietnam, effectively fulfilling its role as the voice of the Party, the State, social organizations, and the forum for the people.

Press Day in 2023 falls on Wednesday, June 21, 2023.