VTV8: Positioning Heritage in the Digital Era

A strategic shift

After 10 years of development, VTV8 has established its identity as a general information channel for the Central and Central Highlands region. However, in response to new national development demands, VTV8 has officially repositioned itself as a national television channel dedicated to culture, heritage, history, and tourism.

Journalist Lam Thanh, Director of VTV8, speaks at the seminar “Connecting and Promoting Culture, Heritage, History and Tourism” (Photo: VTV8)

According to  Lam Thanh,   Director of VTV8, the new direction extends beyond programming changes. It represents a full transformation in the operational model. VTV8 is developing a digital content database across the national platform VTVgo, its website vtv8.vtv.vn, and social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube. On VTVgo, users can access content categorized across 34 provinces and cities in the North, Central, and South. The platform also features continuously updated segments such as Hot News with VTV8 and Highlights of VTV8.

This shift marks a transition from linear television to data-driven media, enabling viewers to access content about Vietnamese  culture, history, and tourism  at  any time. VTV8 plays a crucial role  in connecting people and telling stories, while also fostering heritage preservation, responsible tourism, and regional branding.

Beyond its traditional broadcast channel, VTV8 is also positioning itself as a specialized content platform focusing on culture, heritage, history, and tourism. (Photo: VTV8)

Heritage  is told  through modern storytelling

Alongside  its transformation as a platform, VTV8 is also renewing its   approach to content by placing storytelling at the center.

The opening program of the National Tourism Year 2026 in Gia Lai, co-produced by VTV8. (Photo: Organizing Committee)

The channel will focus on culture, heritage, history, and tourism, launching new programs such as Phong vi bien nien, Truong Son van dam, Dau an lich su, Khe uoc thoi gian, Nong san ke chuyen and  Ket noi VTV8. These formats  will feature  immersive storytelling, and documentary productions will include bilingual versions for international audiences.

Located in the culturally rich Central and Central Highlands region, VTV8  has access to valuable historical resources. This collaboration enables the team to share authentic  and engaging stories on television. By combining news reporting with in-depth cultural content, VTV8 aims to refresh its identity while fulfilling its public service obligations and meeting audience expectations.

Journalist Lam Thanh highlighted that VTV’s extensive archive is a key asset in this transformation. However,  there are still  challenges  to overcome, such as changing  the mindsets of  reporters and editors  towards storytelling, accessing accurate historical sources, and presenting complex topics in  an engaging yet academic manner ways. VTV8 is tackling these issues by consulting experts and cultural scholars.

VTV8 is embarking on a new journey with many challenges, but one that is expected to bring meaningful value to the community. (Photo: VTV8)

The ultimate goal of this transformation is to deliver meaningful value to the community. “By strengthening communication about culture and heritage, we hope to encourage greater investment in preservation, support local livelihoods, and create sustainable economic value”, said journalist Lam Thanh. When culture is honored, it can generate its own resources and contribute to national development.