Even after the live broadcast program “Festival of the Nation” had concluded, the VTV9 team from the Vietnam Television Center in Ho Chi Minh Cityremained on duty at the Truong Sa live broadcast location, unable to return to the mainland. Due to connectivity issues on the island, where there is no 4G and only brief access to Wi-Fi at noon and in the evening, behind-the-scenes materials sent back to VTV Times were also delayed compared to other locations. Despite these challenges, the reporters expressed pride and joy in being part of such a meaningful assignment, bringing images and the atmosphere of election day in Truong Sa to audiences nationwide.
The VTV delegation takes a commemorative photo with the commander of Truong Sa Island and the Chairman of Truong Sa Special Zone after completing their assignment.
Carrying Trust from the Remote Islands
Around a week before election day, VTV9 crews set out to film at offshore polling stations, where naval forces are stationed to safeguard Vietnam’s maritime sovereignty. The journey to the Truong Sa archipelago was not just a journalistic mission, but also an opportunity to capture the sacred moments of the nation’s democratic celebration on the country’s frontlines.
Filming the voting process in the Truong Sa archipelago.
Journalist Truong Son records footage at the live broadcast point on Truong Sa Lon Island.
Journalists Truong Son and Xuan Tung had gained extensive experience producing live broadcast programs and maritime reports before participating in the “Festival of the Nation” broadcast on March 15.
In the unique working conditions of the island, reporters, camera operators, and technicians had to follow an intense schedule. From filming and editing news packages and reports to transmitting signals back to the mainland, every step had to be carried out with precision and timeliness to ensure a successful live broadcast.
Specialized equipment is being set up on-site on the island to transmit signals via satellite to the mainland.
Everyone eagerly holds their ballots, marking a memorable reporting experience.
The field production area.
Amid this demanding workflow, team members still made time to fulfill their civic responsibility by voting at the polling station on Truong Sa Lon Island. Holding a ballot in the middle of the open sea became a deeply memorable experience for many journalists
The crew working on the live broadcast of “Festival of the Nation” at the Truong Sa location is fulfilling their civic duty.
Loading equipment at Cam Ranh military port, Naval Region 4, Khanh Hoa Province.
For camera operators such as Huu Thanh, Van Bao, and Doan Luu, this assignment marked a significant milestone in their careers. Not only did they document the election on remote islands, but they also became voters themselves, helping select representatives who reflect the people's will and aspirations.
Behind the Scenes: “Racing Against Time”
Meanwhile, on the mainland, VTV9 also operated a live broadcast studio in Ho Chi Minh City's Hoc Mon Ward, where preparations began as early as 3:00 AM. The production team worked intensively to set up technical systems, test signals, and finalize scripts for the special live broadcast of the Festival of the Nation.
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man speaks with the special live broadcast team from VTV9 at Polling Station No. 14, Hoc Mon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
Journalist Quang Sang reviews the script before going live from Polling Station No. 14, Hoc Mon District, Ho Chi Minh City.
Editor Anh Phuong and colleagues arrive at the broadcast location between 3:00 and 4:00 AM to prepare for the live program.
Preparations before the live broadcast are carried out urgently at the early hours of the morning.
The production team is reporting from Tay Ninh.
This reporting journey was significant experience, combining professional commitment with civic responsibility and connecting the mainland with the distant islands during one of the country’s most important events.
