Binh Dinh Television and Radio Station’s journalists are at work.

According to Phung, the local mass media have showed considerable development in the past few years. Binh Dinh now sees various types of mass media, including printed newspapers, online newspaper, television, and radio.

They play an important role in raising people's awareness and make great efforts to meet the public's increasing demand for information. The local mass media have also made proposals to the Party and the State to create and supplement policies that reflect the aspirations of the people, contributing to the socio-economic development.

Could you give more details of the contribution of the local mass media to the province’s development?

Binh Dinh Newspaper, Binh Dinh Television and Radio Station, other local magazines, and newspaper representative offices in Binh Dinh have greatly contributed to the province’s socio-economic development. They are also the bridge connecting provincial Party, local authorities, and people as well as Binh Dinh and other provinces and countries.

What do you think about the reform of local news agencies and the press to make further contribution to Binh Dinh?

Two big issues should be focused on. The first issue is that the content must be improved, making the mass media become not only the voice of the Party and State but the forum for all people. The press must always be the pioneers in propagating the State and Party’s policies and reflecting the country’s reform and development cause.

The mass media also need to become a real bridge between Party, State and people, helping people join the press activities in the cause of reform and development.

The second issue is that journalists must meet the requirements of modern press under the socialist orientation. It’s thus necessary to urgently train journalists who are qualified for the new era. With the great development of the mass media, the local press must make all-out effort to rise to a new height, meeting the people’s demand.

The journalists’ associations play an important role in the development of the mass media. Could you brief us on the operation of Binh Dinh Journalists’ Association in recent years?

The association has focused on renewing its operation and improving the quality of its affiliates at all levels. Its executive board annually builds plans to offer professional training courses to local journalists, helping them catch up with the development of modern press.

The association has coordinated with other press associations in the southern central and Central Highlands regions to open three training courses a year in the past three years, attracting many members to join.

We also offered political courses to over 40 members in Binh Dinh, let alone different programs, helping journalists share experiences with each other.

• Huu Vinh