The team at the Department of International Programs Television, Vietnam Television (VTV), is currently working hard with other departments to prepare for the launch of the national International Programs TV channel – Vietnam Today. Journalist Tao Thi Thanh Xuan sat down with VTV Times ahead of the channel's official debut.
A story that began in 2019...
“Back in 2019, we started developing our initial concepts for an International Programs TV channel. At that time, we only imagined it as a digital content platform. But the conditions weren’t right yet for it to come true, so we put the idea on hold”, she said.
“Other countries have had national foreign broadcasting channels for a long time. Japan launched its international channel in 1995. China debuted its English-language international channel in 2000. Today, they operate six channels in multiple languages, including an English-language documentary channel and a large-scale English news channel with a global network of correspondents. Their goal is to rival major international broadcasters like CNN and BBC. South Korea also has two international channels – KBS World and Arirang. I enjoy watching their content because it helps me understand more about their countries and cultures”.
Proud of what we’re building...
Tao Thi Thanh Xuan recalled that in the late 2024, General Secretary To Lam spoke of a new era of national awakening, in which Vietnam is striving to overcome challenges, fulfill its aspirations, and achieve its development goals. That spirit has brought fresh energy and momentum for change. . It is with this same spirit that Tao Thi Thanh Xuan and her team are gradually turning their dream into a reality.
On October 29, 2024, during a working session with the Party Commission for Propaganda and Mass Mobilization, General Secretary To Lam emphasized: “We have many TV channels, but still no dedicated foreign-language channel (in English and other languages) to promote Vietnam, to tell stories about it and help foreigners understand the country”. From that directive, the idea of a national International Programs TV channel began gaining strong support and became an urgent political mission in the current context.
Vietnam Television (VTV) works with China Media Group (CMG) and China Global Television Network (CGTN) during a study tour to learn about international broadcasting models. (Photo: Provided by the program)
Journalist Tao Thi Thanh Xuan added: “We were truly excited when, in April this year, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh signed Decision No. 747/QD-TTg assigning VTV the task of providing national international broadcasting services to promoteVietnam's image to the world. Following that decision and under the guidance of the Director General and the VTV leadership, we immediately began implementing the project with great enthusiasm”.
Pressure creates determination and strength
Xuan shared that from the time the decision was issued until the expected official launch of Vietnam Today channel (VTV's international broadcasting service) in September, the team was given a tight deadline. She and her colleagues at the Department of International Programs Television, and across VTV had just over four months to prepare for a brand-new television channel. Four months was a short time , and it came with a lot of pressure.
“We’ve made a firm commitment and are doing everything we can to build a national International Programs channel that tells the story of a different Vietnam – one that goes beyond outdated stereotypes. A peaceful, stable Vietnam – both traditional and modern – with a rich cultural identity. A beautiful country full of youth and energy, home to a people determined to grow and deeply hospitable. This story must be told in a way that is lively, fresh, and compelling enough to capture the attention of international audiences. That’s a huge challenge for us and all the departments involved, especially the amazing team at the Center for Technical and Visual Production. But the trust and close guidance of the VTV leadership have made us even more determined”.
Not celebrating yet – not until we cross the finish line
Speaking about her own emotions and those of her colleagues, who have been working around the clock to get Vietnam Today on air, Xuan said: “If you ask whether we’re happy yet, I’d say not quite. We’ll only truly feel joy when the product is complete, when it goes on air fully, and reaches international audiences”.
“Right now, we can see the finish line, and we have the motivation to get there. Everyone is doing their best to share Vietnam's vibrant, proud, and lively story with friends around the world”.
Journalist Tao Thi Thanh Xuan. (Photo: Provided by the character)
