Vietnam to cut 38 newspapers, 100 magazines, and 33 TV stations in media reform campaign

Vietnam’s ongoing media restructuring plan will result in the reduction of 38 newspapers, nearly 100 magazines, and 33 radio and television broadcasters, affecting approximately 18,000 employees across the country. The information was revealed by Mr. Luu Dinh Phuc, Director General of the Authority of Press under the Ministry of Information and Communications, during the first Party Congress of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for the 2025–2030 term.

In his presentation, Mr. Phuc reflected on the lessons learned from the process of building media models and policies in the context of what he referred to as a “lean revolution.”

“Vietnam’s revolutionary press has marked over a century of important contributions to the Party’s mission. However, it now faces a significant challenge—how to secure sustainable revenue and reshape its development model after streamlining,” he stated.

Nearly Half of Vietnam’s Media Workforce to Be Affected

Compared to the 2019 media restructuring, which saw 58 newspapers and 115 magazines closed and impacted around 1,500 people, the current reform is far more expansive. According to Mr. Phuc, the new plan affects nearly 18,000 individuals—around 44% of the nation’s media personnel. Of these, approximately 9,000 are in the radio and television sector alone.

This sweeping change has raised pressing questions, said Mr. Phuc: What is the Party and State’s stance on developing the press post-reform? What is the role and position of the media in this new landscape? How should the press evolve to uphold its legacy and fulfill the mission entrusted by the Party and the people, especially after being awarded the Ho Chi Minh Order for the second time?

Answering these questions, Mr. Phuc emphasized that the press must retain its leading role on the ideological front, helping to inform, guide, and unify public understanding. The media, he argued, must continue defending the ideological foundation of the Communist Party, promoting national cultural values, and fostering the comprehensive development of Vietnamese people in the new era.

He added that although Vietnam’s media landscape is vast, it remains scattered and inconsistent in influence. Therefore, the country must build strong, national-level media organizations capable of guiding public opinion both domestically and internationally, serving as pillars in shaping and maintaining informational direction.

“The requirement to streamline the media poses new demands for revolutionary journalism—higher quality, more effective workforce, and better policy mechanisms. We must aim to develop a professional, humane, and modern press,” Mr. Phuc asserted.

Journalism Must Lead Vietnam’s Communications Strategy

Mr. Phuc further stressed that journalism must be the core force in national communications, helping to shape public perception and create societal consensus for the government’s reform agenda.

“Now that the engine is running, communications must help accelerate it—ensuring public, social, and business interests are aligned with national development goals. We need to elevate our global competitiveness and reinforce the Party’s strategic leadership in harmony with public sentiment,” he said.

He also underlined that journalists have a “dual responsibility”: to promote reform while simultaneously reforming themselves. The press must evolve to become more professional, modern, and people-oriented.

Four Key Lessons from the Press Restructuring Experience

Drawing on Vietnam’s experience in media reform, Mr. Phuc shared four critical lessons:

First, he emphasized that communication must begin from the people’s hearts. Broad public support has been essential to the success of the Party’s decisions, including the current streamlining effort. For the first time, Party resolutions were broadcast live for public viewing, allowing citizens to follow and understand the leadership’s vision.

“Effective communication must be rooted in public understanding and trust. Policies and messages must be people-centered and action-driven. Persuading the public is the key to achieving broad social consensus,” Mr. Phuc said.

Second, he highlighted the importance of deeply understanding Party resolutions. Leaders and policymakers must grasp the spirit of these resolutions thoroughly to ensure proper and effective implementation.

Third, he advised looking at reforms from a national strategic perspective. The streamlining policy, including the media reforms, should be viewed in the broader context of Vietnam’s development goals—allowing for a deeper understanding of its social and humanistic implications and the national aspiration for progress.

Finally, he stressed the need for consistent awareness and decisive action. Media reform must go hand in hand with institutional transformation. Leaders must demonstrate sharp thinking, adaptability, and strong commitment to execution. Only when thought and action are aligned can decentralization, streamlining, and modernization be effectively achieved.

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Source: Vietnam Insider