Truong Trong Nghia, a representative from Ho Chi Minh City, pointed out discrepancies in the draft. One article allows press agencies to operate multiple media types and products and to have subordinate press organizations. However, another article defines press agencies as being under the jurisdiction of provincial or municipal Party committees, without specifying that they can manage subordinate outlets.

According to Nghia, if applied uniformly across 34 provinces and cities, this regulation would mean local press agencies couldn’t establish or develop subordinate media entities, effectively blocking their evolution into multi-platform media organizations.

He emphasized that journalism plays a vital role in national development. For media to survive and thrive, it must resonate with readers - becoming as essential as food, water, or air - compelling enough for audiences to voluntarily pay. Only then can the press achieve true financial independence and longevity.

"We’ve invested immense effort to help journalists gain the skills and credibility needed to sustain their work, remain ethical, and avoid legal pitfalls. Press agencies not only protect their brand but also compete with sensationalist and fake media, all while aiming for financial autonomy and even contributing to the state budget. Many journalists, driven by patriotism and devotion, willingly sacrifice to fulfill their duties," Nghia said.

He noted that some local newspapers have already achieved this standard and should be preserved and supported. These outlets are valuable assets, and the revised law must enable their continued growth while providing a framework for other provincial newspapers to reach similar levels of development.

Currently, Vietnam has 8 provinces and cities with populations between 4 to 5 million, 9 with 3 to 4 million, 3 with 2 to 3 million, and 8 with 1 to 2 million. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the two largest and most populous urban centers, host media outlets with reputations and followings that go far beyond their local boundaries.

Nghia stressed that after administrative mergers, these population figures represent not just markets but resources for local media. Without proper legal support, it would be a waste of potential.

He proposed allowing provincial press agencies to operate various media forms, produce multiple types of content, and manage subordinate entities. Some local Party committees should also be allowed to establish flagship, multi-platform media institutions.

Phạm Van Hoa, a representative from Dong Thap, shared similar concerns. He highlighted that some local press agencies, such as those in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, are fully financially independent and even contribute to the national budget. These outlets boast millions of followers.

Hoa warned that under the draft, these agencies might be forced into mergers, and urged the drafters to reconsider. He proposed revisions to clearly define local press, radio, and television agencies as entities under the authority of provincial or municipal Party committees, permitted to operate multiple types of media and manage subordinate organizations. He also called for the government to set specific regulations to prevent uncontrolled media proliferation.

Pham Trong Nhan, another representative from Ho Chi Minh City, turned attention to the growing presence of AI-generated content in digital journalism. He argued that journalistic content created in whole or part with AI must be disclosed, with agencies responsible for ensuring accuracy and objectivity.

Nhan insisted that media organizations should independently verify AI-related content and share liability if such content harms national security or violates individual rights. Journalists must be trained to identify, flag, and reject AI-generated material unless it is properly verified.

He also warned that social influence is no longer held by journalism alone, but increasingly by cross-border digital platforms.

Nhan urged that these platforms be required to establish legal representation in Vietnam, disclose their recommendation algorithms, remove false information within 24 hours, enforce identity verification for users, and cooperate in tracing coordinated disinformation campaigns.

Tran Thuong