A full-scale media effort to spread the aspiration for national development
At the press conference to announce the broadcasting plan held on April 18, Mr. Do Thanh Hai – Deputy General Director of VTV, stated that VTV had made early and comprehensive preparations to broadcast across all its television channels and digital platforms, aiming to spread the message of national unity, peace, and development.
From early 2025, the 7 PM news bulletin and other specialized current affairs programs have aired numerous reports and documentaries highlighting the nation’s struggle, reunification, and development over the past half century. During the peak period in late April, the broadcast frequency will be significantly increased.
In particular, the national commemoration ceremony, Military Parade, and March – the most anticipated event by citizens and international friends alike – will be broadcast live at 7:00 AM on April 30 on VTV1 (from 6:30 AM on VTVgo) from major streets in Ho Chi Minh City such as Le Duan Street, Bach Dang Wharf Park, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, and Le Loi.
The production will be executed on a large technical scale, mobilizing 6 OB (Outside Broadcasting) trucks, 2 satellite vehicles, and over 200 staff members from VTV’s specialized units.
VTV Special – Deep-dive documentaries, new perspectives
A major highlight of the commemorative programming is the VTV Special documentary series, which reflects on history and the process of national reconciliation through fresh, humanistic storytelling.
“The Clash of Wills” (International Programs Department): Recounts the journey of Mr. Craig McNamara – son of former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara – as he confronts the “legacy of war” left by his father and delivers an unspoken apology to the Vietnamese people. The crew filmed in 6 Vietnamese provinces and 7 U.S. cities and interviewed over 50 historical witnesses.
“The Historic Broadcast" (Thematic and Scientific Program Department): Recalls the moment when the Saigon television station was taken over after April 30, portraying the cooperation and unity of TV workers from North and South during the first revolutionary broadcast in the South.
“Healing” (Culture and Entertainment Department): Tells the story of two American filmmakers – a war veteran and a young director – returning to Vietnam and witnessing the vitality and forgiveness of its people after the war.
“The n Journey to Reunification” (VTV Center in Ho Chi Minh City): A multi-episode documentary revisiting the 50 years since the war, reflecting the desire for reconciliation, unification, and a shared future.
Other documentaries include “Voices of Conscience”, “The Call to Action”, “I Was Born in 1975”, “Half a Century – One Dream”, “The Secret Mission”, “Before the Final Victory”, and more. All aim g to retell history from insightful, humanistic, and relatable perspectives.
Artistic exchange programs leave a lasting impression
VTV continues to leverage its strength in combining political thought with emotional artistry through various exchange programs:
“The Nation Reunited in Joy” (Live at 8:10 PM, April 20 – VTV1): With over 1,000 participating artists and soldiers, the program features 22 artistic performances tied to key historical milestones of the nation.
“Great Circle of Unity” (Live at 8:00 PM, April 26 – VTV Can Tho): Meets historical witnesses in the Southwest region, connecting memories with the story of national solidarity and future development.
“The Song of Unity”, “Time, oh time! Telling a story”, and “Spring of Unity” (Airing April 26–29): Presenting timeless musical works that honor the values of peace and inspire patriotism across generations of artists like People’s Artist Thu Hien, Cam Van, Bang Kieu, Tuan Hung...
Digital media campaigns – Strong reach among youth
Alongside television broadcasts, VTV Digital has launched the “Great Circle of Unity” digital media campaign, featuring a series of video clips, infographics, podcasts, and livestreams... regularly updated on the VTV24, VTV1, and VTVgo fanpages, attracting over 90 million views in less than a month.
The “Love Vietnam” campaign (Culture and Entertainment Department) encourages the public, especially youth, to create short videos reenacting historical figures such as soldiers, young volunteers, and traditional Southern attire... creating a space where tradition meets digital creativity.
Additionally, commemorative 30/4 music playlists are being released on YouTube and Spotify , and several documentaries are also dubbed into Southern Vietnamese dialects for airing on VTV9 and VTV Can Tho to broaden audience reach.
Spreading pride, continuing Vietnam’s aspirations
With this series of programs well prepared in terms of content, technology, and presentation, VTV aims to deliver high-quality television products that both honor the past and inspire the future.
Each program serves as a piece of the historical symphony, connecting generations, igniting national pride, and motivating the whole population to move forward in building a peaceful, unified, and developed Vietnam.
