Organized every two years by Vietnam Television (VTV), the National Television Festival (NTF) has become the most important gathering in the broadcasting industry. This year’s festival will take place from March 19 to 22 in Quy Nhon City, Binh Dinh Province. The 42nd edition promises to be a professional convergence where television makers from across the country gather to share expertise and learn about modern media trends.
A Vibrant Industry Gathering
Returning to the Central region after two editions held in Hanoi and Hai Phong, the 42nd National Television Festival is expected to become a vibrant platform for professional exchange and innovation. "Right from the early planning stages, we had high hopes for the participation of local broadcasters alongside VTV to make this a truly successful festival. We want everyone to come to this event as a celebration for those working in television", said Do Thanh Hai, Deputy General Director of VTV and Vice Chairman of the 42nd National Television Festival.
According to Mr. Hai, all activities in this year’s festival have been designed based on surveys and feedback collected from local radio and television stations nationwide, to deliver a practical and meaningful event for today’s television professionals. A highlight of the festival is the judging and awarding of works in 11 categories, including: Children’s Programs, Documentaries, Reportages, Short Reportages, Educational Programs, Talk Shows and Debates, Ethnic Minority Language Programs, Music and Dance Performances, Theatrical Shows, Television Dramas, and Digital Platform Videos.
The festival encourages fresh, creative, and engaging formats, as well as works that reflect new and noteworthy elements from real life in local communities. The jury is made up of experienced and respected professionals, many of whom are active in the industry and recognized by both their peers and audiences.
One of the most anticipated and prominent activities is the Television Technology Exhibition and professional seminars held within the framework of the festival. Notably, this year’s workshops include: “Journalistic Skills in the Digital Environment”, organized by VTV Digital – the Center for Digital Content Production and Development. “Data Mining and AI Application for Digital Transformation in TV Stations”, co-organized by VTV’s Information Technology Center and VTV Digital. These discussions will focus on data solutions, AI applications, and modern technologies to enhance the production, distribution, and copyright management of television content. Experts in artificial intelligence and digital transformation in Vietnam will be in attendance. These events are scheduled for March 20 in Quy Nhon City.
In addition, an exhibition of images titled “The People Behind Television” will be held, aiming to attract the general public. Contributed by national television and radio stations, the photographs honor the profession and celebrate the passion, talent, and dedication of the individuals and teams who bring high-quality programs to audiences. The exhibition also shares behind-the-scenes moments and artistic perspectives of those working in television through photojournalism and creative imagery.
Innovation for Breakthroughs
To prepare for a successful 42nd edition, the Organizing Committee has made thoughtful investments over an extended period. This year, several category changes and adjustments have been introduced. For instance, each unit may now submit up to two entries in the Educational Program category. The Digital Platform Video category has been expanded into three subcategories: Videos with news and political commentary, Videos with cultural and educational content, and Videos with entertainment content. The Television Drama category has also been divided into two subgroups: Short Series and Long Series. Additionally, the number of entries allowed in certain categories has been increased: Up to 3 Digital Platform Video works, 3 short drama series, 5 long drama series.
Mr. Do Thanh Hai, Deputy General Director of VTV and Vice Chairman of the 42nd NTF
Alongside these changes, adjustments to time limits and episode counts have also been made. Specifically, for the Children’s Program category, the maximum duration has been increased to 45 minutes. In the Short Drama category, entries must have fewer than 10 episodes, while there is no episode limit for long drama series. Each unit can submit up to two single-episode documentaries (no longer than 30 minutes each), or one documentary of up to 60 minutes.
One of the most talked-about changes this year is the restructuring of the Digital Platform Video category, which reflects both thegrowing influence of technology and the shift in audience behavior. As digital transformation becomes inevitable in the face of fierce competition from the internet and social media, these updates demonstrate VTV’s commitment to helping digital content reach wider audiences. The festival also provides a space for television professionals to share, learn, and inspire new approaches and creative ideas. "Digital content has now become widespread in society, but the legal definitions and regulations surrounding this content type remain unclear. This has confused local TV stations about content standards. Therefore, the National Television Festival will be a valuable opportunity for all stations to research and share knowledge on this issue", Mr. Do Thanh Hai noted.
At a preparatory meeting for NTF 42 in early March 2025, Nguyen Thanh Lam, General Director of VTV and Chairman of the 42nd NTF, emphasized the importance of carefully curated programming content. He stressed that this festival should not only serve as a major professional event but also as a meaningful occasion for TV units across the country to network, learn, and enhance program quality. Thorough planning and a strong sense of responsibility from all parties involved are expected to contribute significantly to the success of the festival, leaving a lasting impression on both media professionals and audiences nationwide.
