REMINDER: The Press, News and Journalism in Vietnam is stuck in the USA-Russia Pre-1989 Cold war function and style

In the digital age, where information flows at the speed of light and newspapers gather dust on forgotten shelves, one might assume that journalism has evolved exponentially. Yet, in Vietnam, a country steeped in history and tradition, the art of journalism seems to have remained frozen in time, akin to the days of the Cold War and the Berlin Wall. In this article, we delve into the intriguing world of Vietnamese journalism, exploring its unique facets and shedding light on the challenges faced by journalists in this enigmatic landscape.

The Economic Realities of Vietnamese Journalism

Gone are the days when newspapers were the primary source of information. With the advent of the internet and digital media, the traditional newspaper industry has been pushed to the brink of extinction worldwide. In Vietnam, the situation is no different. Nobody buys newspapers anymore, so the question arises: where does the money come from to sustain journalism in this country?

The answer lies in a curious mix of funding sources. Government ministries and cultural bodies play a significant role in financing Vietnamese newspapers, keeping them afloat in these trying times. Additionally, private envelopes sponsorship, often from corporate entities with vested interests, contributes to the financial sustenance of these publications. However, this reliance on government and private sector funding raises questions about journalistic independence and objectivity.

The Struggles of Vietnamese Journalists and News publishing: uncensored or unchecked Paid articles.

One of the most striking aspects of Vietnamese journalism is the absence of professional journalists as we know them in Western countries. The salary for journalists in Vietnam hovers around a meager $350 per month. This paltry sum serves as a stark reminder of the economic challenges faced by those pursuing a career in journalism.

Chapters below developed in your INSIDER section

1- The Role of Propaganda in Vietnamese Journalism

2- National and Paid Advertising: A Quirk of Vietnamese Media

3- The Limits and Consequences

In Conclusion: Be Your Own Investigative Journalist

Furthermore, journalists in Vietnam are constrained by upfront censorship at the state level, which severely limits their ability to report on sensitive issues. This censorship extends to matters that might be considered routine or mundane in other countries. As a result, the window for a successful career and emerging stardom in journalism is remarkably narrow, to the point where Western journalists might describe it as a closed window.

In a system of ‘1 source many channels’, where journalistic success is more about conforming to the norm than pushing the boundaries, one should not expect groundbreaking investigative reporting or deep analysis. Vietnamese journalists are neither trained nor incentivized to provide critical analysis or innovative solutions to societal problems. Instead, their role is primarily normative, reinforcing established narratives and agendas.

The Role of Propaganda in Vietnamese Journalism censational announcements to boost the people’s morale

A defining characteristic of Vietnamese journalism is its close connection with the government. Journalists are not only trained but also paid by the government, which inevitably leads to a filtration of articles before publication. Any piece of news that may be deemed harmful or critical of the authorities is swiftly removed from circulation.

In this environment, journalism serves as a tool for propaganda, disseminating messages that align with the government’s agenda. The recent announcement of “the Ministry of Transport proposes investing in a high-speed railway with a design speed of 350 kph, a total length of 1,541 kilometers, double tracks with a gauge of 1,435 mm, and a bullet train for a total investment of approximately US$67.34 billion” may come at a bitter disappointment for newcomers followers of the official news. While this may help maintain stability and control, it raises concerns about the credibility and objectivity of news outlets and national leadership and decision making rationale. The blurred line between journalism and propaganda undermines the fundamental principles of independent press.

National and Paid Advertising: A Quirk of Vietnamese Media

To further understand the dynamics of Vietnamese journalism, we must examine the role of advertising. National advertising campaigns are prevalent, promoting causes such as tourism, green energy, or national carriers like VNA Airlines. However, it is not uncommon to encounter significant errors in quoted figures, sometimes inflated by factors of ten or even a hundred. The root of this problem lies in the fact that many journalists in Vietnam are linguists or translators, rather than experts in the fields they cover.

Paid advertising, on the other hand, offers a unique perspective on the functioning of Vietnamese media. With their modest salaries, journalists often rely on paid advertisements to supplement their income. These advertisements serve as a form of paid content, granting advertisers access to the publication’s resources, equipment, and audience.

The Limits and Consequences of Internet publisihing: blogs and e-news goes uncensored leading to some legal troubles or arrests

Occasionally, an individual, company, or nation may find themselves inadvertently crossing borders in Vietnamese media. This often leads to warnings, reminders, or formal notifications being issued, serving as a cautionary tale for those who have transgressed the unwritten rules of national boundaries.

In such cases, the consequences can be severe. From national inbound warnings to international disputes involving mono-national or multi-national entities, the path to reconciliation can be a treacherous one. However, expecting a public apology in such situations is a fool’s errand, as the press is often officially appointed and governed, limiting its autonomy.

Debating or challenging such publications can result in legal troubles and expensive legal fees, with corruption often clouding the pursuit of justice. As Peter Drucker once remarked, “Corruption eats honor for breakfast,” and in Vietnam’s journalism landscape, this sentiment is all too real.

In Conclusion: Be Your Own Investigative Journalist knowing the dos and don’t

Vietnamese journalism and publishing remains a unique blend of tradition, government control, and economic challenges. It serves as a stark reminder that journalism, like any other field, evolves at its own pace in different parts of the world. When in Vietnam, it’s essential to approach news with a critical eye, be your own investigative journalist, and seek alternative sources to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the complex issues facing the nation. The skill of knowing the NO-NO Non-negotiables Vs the No but maybe is key to journalists, bloggers or influencers to-be about Vietnam.