At the Ho Guom Opera House, VTV also launched the national foreign service channel - Vietnam Today.
In attendance were General Secretary To Lam; leaders of the Party, State, National Assembly, and Government; representatives of ministries, agencies, and localities; central and local press agencies; diplomatic missions; and international organizations.
Representing VTV were General Director Nguyen Thanh Lam, former leaders, representatives of various units, and prominent journalists.
At the event, Pham Huy Giang, Head of the Central Emulation and Commendation Commission, announced the President’s decision to award VTV the First-Class Labor Order in recognition of its outstanding achievements in innovating content, applying science and technology, engaging in social welfare initiatives, and fostering community support.
On behalf of the Party and State leadership, General Secretary To Lam personally presented this noble award to Vietnam Television.
“For everyone, at all times, in all places, sharp and engaging”.
In his speech, General Secretary To Lam expressed his joy in attending the 55th anniversary of Vietnam’s first television broadcast, presenting the First-Class Labor Order, and witnessing the launch of Vietnam Today - a proud milestone for generations of VTV staff.
He emphasized that VTV has grown from rudimentary beginningsinto the national broadcaster and a leading multimedia institution. VTV promotes the Party’s policies, disseminates State laws, raises public awareness, reflects issues objectively and comprehensively, encourages innovation, and takes part in the fight against corruption and waste. VTV, he said, has fulfilled its role in supervision, social criticism, and contributing to institutional improvement.
General Secretary To Lam dedicated ten guiding words to VTV: “For everyone, at all times, in all places, sharp and engaging”. These words underline the mission to serve all audiences, at every moment and in every space, while continuously enhancing the qualityand appeal of its content.
He praised VTV’s journalists, editors, and broadcasters for their strong political will, professional skills, ethical standards, and initial mastery of modern technology. They have served as a bridge between the Party, State, and the people, guiding public opinion and building social consensus.
Six Core Tasks Assigned to VTV
The General Secretary outlined the following six priority tasks for VTV:
1. Remain steadfast in the revolutionary goals of the Party and serve as a pioneering force in the ideological and cultural front.
2. Build a workforce with strong political values, professional excellence, technological expertise, ethical integrity, and dedication to service.
3. Improve program quality while enriching Vietnam’s cultural identity, reflecting reality truthfully; promoting positive examples; countering distorted viewpoints; guiding and elevating public discernment; and contributing to the development of the cultural industries.
4. Accelerate comprehensive digital transformation; develop a multi-platform ecosystem; work toward becoming a national digital media and technology hub offering multilingual, high-quality content; safeguard information sovereignty; and enhance Vietnam’s global standing.
5. Preserve and strengthen solidarity and unity; uphold responsibility, aspiration, and decisive, effective action.
6. Focus on developing the Vietnam Today foreign service channel into a modern, professional and engaging platform that is distinctly Vietnamese .
Affirming the Role of a Leading National Broadcaster
In his commemorative address, VTV General Director Nguyen Thanh Lam recalled that the first test broadcast on the evening of September 7, 1970, the marked the birth of Vietnamese television. From the Television Department under the Voice of Vietnam (1970), to the Central Television Network (1978), and officially becoming VTV in 1987, the broadcaster has grown alongside the nation’s revolutionary journey.
Starting with just a few hours of black-and-white broadcasting each day, VTV has evolved into a network of diverse channels and modern digital platforms, covering the entire country and reaching global audiences. Tens of thousands of news productions have swiftly conveyed Party policies, amplified the voices and aspirations of the people, and captured the work of VTV reporters on the frontlines of wars, natural disasters, and health crises.
Comprehensive Transformation in the Digital Age
In the face of rapid changes in artificial intelligence, big data, and viewing habits, VTV is committed to a comprehensive transformation: fostering more creative thinking, streamlining payroll and enhancing effectiveness, building professional and youthful teams with intergenerational continuity, and establishing a fully virtualized, IP-based production and distribution infrastructure. Above all, content quality will be elevated to ensure it remains dynamic, truthful, human-centered, and aesthetically rich.
“VTV is determined to affirm its position as the leading national broadcaster with regional and global influence, a reliable voice of the Party and State, and a trusted forum of the people”, stressed General Director Nguyen Thanh Lam.
The launch of Vietnam Today marks a significant step in promoting Vietnam’s image, people, culture, and development achievements to the world. It also serves as a bridge to help international audiences gain a deeper, more accurate, and more comprehensive understanding of Vietnam.
At the ceremony, General Secretary To Lam and distinguished delegates officially launched the Vietnam Today channel.
