The Ministry of Information and Communication has decided to fine Vietnam Television (VTV) VND40 million (US$1,900) for broadcasting an episode of a reality show containing false information.

Thanh and Dao.

The fine was for violating regulations on journalistic and publishing activities and creating negative public opinion. The ministry's deputy chief inspector Do Thi Tinh said the fine was the lightest, as VTV had apologised to its viewers and issued a public correction.

The show's director and key editor were suspended.

The reality show, Sao Mai Diem Hen (The 7th Wish), was broadcast on VTV3 and chronicled the love story of Nguyen Nhu Dao and Nguyen Nhat Thanh. Thanh, who graduated from the National Academy of Music, fell in love with Dao, a poor blind girl, and had a daughter. They named their daughter Sao Mai with the hope that she would one day stand on the stage of Sao Mai Diem Hen (Morning Star Rendezvous), the national pop singing contest. The programme helped them make their dream come true.

However, the show was accused of including false information after a short time. VTV quickly inspected the case and confirmed that the information was false. 

VNS