Top 5 Historical Significance of Vietnam's Revolutionary Press Day on June 21st

During the resistance against French colonialism, numerous newspapers and magazines emerged, playing an active role in the struggle to build the Party, promote Marxist-Leninist ideology, and advocate for the Party's revolutionary principles. They were also key in mobilizing resistance against imperialism and feudalism, preparing the nation for the revolutionary surge in 1945. Many of these publications were even produced within colonial prisons, such as Lao Tu Magazine, Duoc Dua Duong, Duong Cach Mang, Con Duong Chinh, Bon-Si-Vich, Hoa Lo Hanoi, Buon Ma Thuot Prison, Red Prisoner, Qua Tieng Song Hien, and others.
The press combined political struggle with armed resistance, playing a crucial role in building the military force for the August Revolution that led to the seizing of power in 1945. Under the democratic regime, the revolutionary press flourished, producing a significant volume of publications. Notably, domestic press outlets reached out to international allies, informing the world of Vietnam's righteous struggle and gaining global support for the nation's revolution. On June 2, 1950, the Vietnam Journalists Association was founded, uniting journalists across the country. In July 1950, the Association became a member of the International Organization of Journalists (OIJ).
During the resistance against the U.S., Vietnam's revolutionary press made remarkable advancements. Newspapers from the previous anti-French struggle were adapted for new tasks, with multiple publications being released nationwide. Foreign-language newspapers were also published to introduce Vietnam’s issues to the world, supporting the diplomatic front of the revolution.
The Vietnamese press has always been by the nation's side, contributing significantly to the monumental achievements in the defense and development of the country. Throughout the two wars against French and American forces, journalists overcame immense challenges, risking their lives and being present on all fronts to report the war’s progress. The number of journalists who stood alongside soldiers and volunteers on the battlefield is countless. Over 400 journalists gave their lives in the service of their country, adding to the rich legacy of Vietnam's revolutionary press.

After the reunification of the country, the press in Vietnam quickly advanced in both quantity and quality, establishing a widespread system of news agencies, newspapers, radio, and television across the nation. The content became increasingly diverse, effective, and visually appealing.

The press delved deeply into real-life issues, discovering and promoting new economic models, innovative ways of doing business, exemplary individuals, and positive actions. It made a clear stance on preserving and enhancing national cultural identity, encouraging the public to embrace the positive aspects of global culture while safeguarding Vietnam's traditions. Moreover, the press has been instrumental in raising public awareness and promoting charitable social activities as a nationwide movement.

In the context of national industrialization, modernization, international integration, and the information explosion, the press has continually evolved. Confronted with new challenges, the Vietnamese revolutionary press has remained steadfast in upholding the ideals of the Communist Party of Vietnam, faithfully performing its role as the voice of the Party, State, and society, while also being a platform for the people.

In the history of Vietnamese journalism, several newspapers first emerged in the 1860s in Saigon, Hanoi, and other regions. By the early 20th century, many Vietnamese newspapers were being published by small groups of writers, journalists, and intellectuals. However, due to differing political ideologies, these groups could not unify under one organization. It wasn't until June 21, 1925, when the newspaper 'Thanh Niên,' founded by leader Nguyễn Ái Quốc in Guangzhou, China, published its first edition, marking the beginning of the Vietnamese revolutionary press.

Since the launch of 'Thanh Niên,' the Vietnamese press has championed the revolutionary cause, representing the will and aspirations of the Vietnamese people, while outlining the path to fight for independence, freedom, and socialism. The first generation of revolutionary journalists in Vietnam emerged, including figures like Lê Hồng Sơn, Hồ Tùng Mậu, Lê Duy Điềm, and Trương Văn Lĩnh, who were trained by President Hồ Chí Minh.

On June 2, 1950, the government officially established the Vietnam Journalists Association (now the Vietnam Journalists' Association). By July 1950, the International Press Organization (OIJ) in Finland recognized the Vietnam Journalists Association as an official member.

In February 1985, at the request of the Vietnam Journalists Association, the Communist Party's Secretariat officially designated June 21, 1925—the day 'Thanh Niên' first published—as Vietnam's Press Day. This was done to emphasize the social responsibility of the press, strengthen the relationship between the press and the public, and enhance the Party's leadership over the media. On June 21, 1985, the first national celebration of Vietnam Press Day took place, marking the 60th anniversary of 'Thanh Niên's' first issue. This event was not only a celebration for journalists but for the entire nation, as the press is seen as a public endeavor.

At the request of the Vietnam Journalists Association, in honor of the 75th anniversary of Vietnam Press Day on June 21, 2000, the Communist Party's Politburo officially designated June 21 as Vietnamese Revolutionary Press Day.

Phase 1: From 1925 to Before the Formation of the Communist Party of Vietnam (1930)

During this period, the press focused on promoting Communism to the masses, raising the banner of Marxism-Leninism, encouraging the people, especially workers, to join the struggle and build their own class organizations to protect their daily rights, while also fighting for the liberation of the working class and the nation. The newspapers were printed on wax paper with steel pens, well-designed, with a circulation of about 100 copies.

Phase 2: From 1930 to June 1936

After the merger of communist organizations to form the Communist Party of Vietnam in February 1930, all newspapers published by these organizations ceased to ensure ideological unity and political alignment with the new party structure. During this period, revolutionary journalism flourished with a wide variety of publications from central to local Party organizations. The content focused on Marx-Leninist theory, the leadership role of the proletariat, the transition from bourgeois democratic revolution to socialist revolution, the Bolshevization of the Communist Party, the workers-peasants alliance, and the relationship between the Party and the people. Notably, for the first time in Vietnam's journalistic history, handwritten newspapers were created in prison.

These newspapers were published using various methods, including steel pens on wax paper, typewriters on wax paper, purple ink on paper, and printed on stone or clay presses, often hand-copied to produce multiple editions (the underground press). Due to the secretive nature of their production, these papers had irregular sizes, inconsistent paper quality, and sometimes unclear print, with irregular publication schedules.

Phase 3: From 1936 to 1939

From June 1936, revolutionary journalism began to be published openly, taking on a new historical mission as assigned by the Party. It focused on promoting Marx-Leninism, the Seventh Congress of the Communist International, and the current global situation in relation to the formation of the Anti-Fascist Democratic Front. It advocated for a shift in the Party’s strategic direction, the creation of the Indochinese Democratic Front, and the demand for democratic rights, improved living conditions, peace, freedom of the press, and the fight against colonial fascism, Trotskyism, revisionism, and other reactionary ideologies, pushing towards a new wave of revolutionary fervor.

Most revolutionary newspapers were printed at French and Vietnamese bourgeois printing presses and were distributed through three channels: postal services, bookstores, and mobile vendors. With a semi-legal and legal approach, the press had a strong influence on the masses, helping to unify the struggle across the country, ensuring solidarity and common action against colonial oppression.

Phase 4: From 1939 to 1945

During this period, revolutionary journalism adhered to the Party's resolutions and guidelines, focusing on educating the people about national independence, organizing them to fight in line with the Party's strategy, and preparing for the successful General Uprising. The press in this phase demonstrated the Party's fighting spirit and served as a powerful weapon for the revolution. Though fewer newspapers were published compared to earlier periods, the quality of content improved, with richer articles and more attractive presentation. Many newspapers lasted longer than during the previous underground period.

In addition to central Party newspapers, local organizations also published underground newspapers, forming a unified system from central to local levels, from Party organizations to mass organizations. Key newspapers of the time were directly overseen by Party leaders, such as Trường Chinh with 'Cờ Giải Phóng,' Xuân Thủy with 'Cứu Quốc,' and Nguyễn Ái Quốc with 'Việt Nam Độc lập.' The press during this period became an invaluable tool in the struggle for national liberation, contributing significantly to the ultimate victory in the historic autumn of 1945.

Throughout the revolution, President Ho Chi Minh and our Party have consistently recognized the press as a powerful ideological tool, an official voice for the Party and the State, and a broad platform for public discourse. Over the course of history, revolutionary journalism has been closely tied to the significant milestones of the nation's revolutionary struggle: the movement to establish the Party; the training of cadres; preparing theoretical, political, ideological, and organizational foundations for the founding of the Party on February 3, 1930; rallying the masses during the 1930–1931 revolutionary upsurge; leading the democratic movement of 1936–1939; progressing toward the 1945 General Uprising to seize power; fighting resolutely on the political and ideological fronts during the two wars of resistance against French and American imperialism; continuing with the dual tasks of building and defending the country; and driving the comprehensive renewal process of the nation. It is clear that, in every phase of the revolution, the revolutionary press under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and our Party has truly played a guiding role in shaping public opinion.

Building upon Marxist-Leninist principles of revolutionary journalism, and benefiting from the outcomes of two wars of national liberation, the Party's thinking and approach to the press have continually evolved. The state has also implemented policies that facilitate the smooth operation of the press.

The 1989 Press Law (amended in 1999) asserts that: The press is the voice of the Party, the State, the mass organizations, and the people. It not only reports on social developments in a timely manner, but also disseminates the Party's guidelines, the State’s policies and laws to the public. Moreover, it provides a platform for people to express their opinions and desires and serves as a powerful tool for citizens to monitor Party and State agencies as well as social organizations, thereby strengthening national unity.

Over nearly 30 years of reform, the role of the press in our country has become increasingly apparent as a forum for the people, allowing citizens to voice their opinions, contribute ideas for the Party’s policies and the State’s laws, and participate in the fight against the enemies of the revolution. This includes countering falsehoods spread by hostile forces, eradicating corruption, waste, and negative social issues. Notably, for the first time, the press has been seen as part of a four-tier system for monitoring the behavior of officials and Party members, as affirmed by the 6th Plenary Resolution (2nd session, VIII Congress).

With the development of socialist democracy, the Vietnamese revolutionary press has increasingly played an important role in social management and political governance. This has been underscored in the Party’s 11th National Congress Resolution, which affirms the democratization of press life and marks a significant step in the theoretical and practical renewal of revolutionary journalism. Along with the advancement of society and the rise in public literacy, the press is now expected to uphold its social responsibility, civic duty, and ethical standards.