More than a century after its modern revolutionary press movement began, Vietnamese journalism is confronting one of the most complex challenges in its history. In an era defined by artificial intelligence, social media and information overload, its mission is no longer simply to inform the public, but increasingly to defend truth and preserve trust.

When Thanh Nien newspaper was launched 101 years ago, Vietnam's revolutionary press served a clear purpose: awakening national consciousness, promoting revolutionary ideals and mobilizing public support during the struggle for independence.

A century later, Vietnam has been transformed.

Technology has fundamentally changed how people access information, communicate and form opinions. Yet the core role of journalism remains largely unchanged. It continues to serve as a bridge between government institutions and citizens, a channel for reflecting public concerns and a trusted source of verified information.

Trust remains the most valuable asset Vietnamese journalism has built over the past century.

At the same time, that asset has never faced greater pressure.

The end of information monopoly

One reality modern journalism must accept is that the era of information monopoly has ended.

In the past, people turned to newspapers and broadcasters to learn what was happening in the world. Today, information can reach millions through social media within seconds, often long before professional news organizations have verified and published a story.

This has created a new paradox.

At a time when societies need reliable information more than ever, public attention is increasingly fragmented across countless digital platforms. News organizations are no longer competing solely against one another. They are competing for attention within a crowded digital ecosystem designed to maximize engagement.

Much of the content dominating digital platforms is designed to trigger emotions, provoke controversy and keep users engaged.

In that environment, journalism is unlikely to distinguish itself through speed alone.

Its greatest competitive advantage has never been speed. It has always been credibility.

Many observers describe this as a competition between journalism and social media. A more significant concern, however, may be society's growing crisis of trust in information itself.

False information circulates daily. AI-generated images and videos are becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish from authentic content. Manipulated narratives, misleading edits and distorted facts can spread globally within minutes.

In such an environment, journalism's responsibility extends beyond reporting events.

It must actively defend the truth.

People may encounter information from countless sources. But when they need verification, context and clarity, society still requires trusted institutions capable of establishing what is true.

Professional journalism must remain that destination.

News organizations may no longer be the first to publish information. But they must remain the place where facts are ultimately verified and where public confidence in the truth is earned.

A new role for journalists

If journalism requires a new mission, journalists require a new role.

For decades, journalists were primarily viewed as people who discovered and delivered information. In the digital era, that definition is no longer sufficient.

Today's journalists must verify, explain, analyze and help audiences understand the deeper significance of events.

The value of journalism should not be measured by how quickly information is published but by how effectively it helps the public understand reality.

Artificial intelligence can generate content within seconds. Social media can distribute information to millions within minutes.

Neither can replace professional judgment, social responsibility or ethical integrity.

For that reason, journalists must learn to work with technology, data and digital tools.

More importantly, they must preserve independence, objectivity and professional ethics.

Public trust is not created by technology.

It is created by honesty.

Becoming stronger through transformation

The 101st anniversary of Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day comes as the country's media sector undergoes restructuring and institutional reforms designed to streamline operations.

The key question is not how many organizations will be merged or reorganized.

The more important question is whether the process will produce stronger media institutions capable of competing in the digital era.

Streamlining should not be viewed as reducing journalism's role in society.

Instead, it represents an opportunity to concentrate resources, modernize management, invest in technology and build fully integrated, multi-platform newsrooms.

A strong press system cannot be measured by the number of publications it produces.

It is measured by the quality of its journalism, its influence on society and the confidence it earns from the public.

Sustainable journalism also requires creating conditions that allow reporters to build long-term careers, pursue difficult stories and uphold professional values without compromise.

More than a century ago, Vietnam's revolutionary press emerged to help guide a nation seeking independence.

Today, the country is entering an era shaped by digital transformation and artificial intelligence, bringing entirely new opportunities and challenges.

History alone cannot guarantee the future.

Nor can journalism rely solely on tradition to maintain credibility.

Every day, news organizations must earn public trust again through accuracy, integrity, responsibility and high-quality reporting.

After 101 years, journalism's mission may be broader than ever: not only informing the public, but also protecting truth, preserving social trust and helping citizens distinguish fact from fiction in a world overwhelmed by data.

Because in today's world, information is abundant.

Trust is what remains scarce.

Vu Diep