Voice of Vietnam reforms itself to thrive
(VOVWORLD) - The Voice of Vietnam (VOV) has worked hard to reform its programming and invested in equipment to keep the public better informed and inspired. On the occasion of the 94th Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day, June 21st, Nguyen The Ky, a member of the Party Central Committee and VOV President, has called for more efforts to make VOV, a 74-year-old media agency, thrive.
 Member of the Party Central Committee and VOV President Nguyen The Ky |
Mr. Ky said any press agency or media can win the support of the audience if it knows how to capitalize on its strength and minimize its weaknesses.
VOV operates in four mediums: radio, print, TV, and online.
Leader in new technological applications
VOV is proud of its long history and prepared for new challenges like globalized information and the digital boom. For a big media agency like VOV, pressure is heavy, requiring its leaders to resolve multiple problems. Content is the top priority and the heart of any media agency. Mr. Ky said VOV has transformed itself to maintain its role in the Vietnamese media sector. “It’s time to specialize. VOV1 must focus on news and current affairs all day long. VOV2 specializes in culture and society, VOV3 in music and entertainment, VOV4 in ethnic minority affairs, and VOV5 broadcasts in 13 languages and has a 24/7 English Program dedicated to foreign expats in Vietnam. We also have arts and literature programs on VOV6 and the VOV Traffic Channel.”
According to Mr. Ky, technology plays an important role in disseminating information to audiences at home and abroad and in competing with social media: “VOV has submitted to the government a project to digitize radio and broadcast our programs all over the world using satellites, the internet, and apps like vov.vn and vtcnow. As people’s living standards improve, a growing number listen to VOV while travelling or commuting by car. So, it’s important to optimize both content and technology.”
Preserving identity
The government’s project on media planning and development until 2025 and beyond aims to make Vietnamese media stronger. To do so, each agency must leverage its strength. For example, TV is strong in video and radio is strong in audio. VOV President Ky underscored professionalism, systemization, and specialization as major factors of reform: “We intend to hire more competent personnel. A long-term strategy for the development of our agency is needed. Programming and transmitting should be based on new, smart technologies and reach out to the most remote audience with high-quality programs. Everyone from the highest-ranking leader to the lowest staff member must work hard to reform themselves to avoid being left behind.”