TTO – That is the judgment given at the International Scientific Conference on Vietnamese and international experiences on investigative journalism taking place in Hanoi on the morning of March 31 (*).
Speaking at the opening of the Workshop, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Truong Ngoc Nam (Director of the Academy of Press and Propaganda) emphasized to ensure the objective of reflecting information honestly, objectively, at the press agencies. Information of all countries on the press has formed one of the specific types of activities, investigative journalism.
This is an objective requirement of the process of disclosure, transparency and democratization of information in all development areas of each country.
Besides, Mr. John Nielsen – Danish ambassador to Vietnam – also affirmed that the press plays an important role in any society, Denmark is also sponsoring Vietnam “project of responsible press. ”, Including training on investigative journalism skills. This is the beginning of cooperation in the field of journalism and communication between the two countries.
According to Dr. Nam, in parallel with the discovery of new factors and advanced examples, journalists have been diligently investigating, discovering and publishing negative behaviors, such as corruption such as PMU 18 case, mistakes in land management in Khanh Hoa, Phu Quoc (Kien Giang), Do Son (Hai Phong), corrupt acts at the East bus station, violations of Vinashin …
A series of investigative articles in Tuoi Tre, Thanh Nien, Lao Dong, Cong An Nhan Dan, Ho Chi Minh City Laws … have resonated with national public opinion and interest like the series ” water, impurities turn into gasoline “(Tuoi Tre newspaper), series” Raging black credit storm “(Cong An Nhan Dan newspaper), series” Dynamic order law enforcement police “(Thanh newspaper Nien), a series of articles about the robbery of the sky in Mao Khe – Quang Ninh (Lao Dong newspaper) …
Dr. Nam said this workshop took place with sessions to discuss some specific contents such as investigative journalism profession of Vietnam and internationally; editorial process in investigative journalism in Vietnam and internationally; immersive professional experience of investigative journalists in Vietnam and internationally …
Ms. Tran Le Thuy – director of the Center for Media Initiatives and Development – said that investigative press is sometimes a support for people. However, along with the development of the society, investigative journalism is facing many challenges, so investigative journalism needs to be put on a new ground in terms of profession as well as legal framework.
Ms. Thuy emphasized that investigative journalists should be protected by the law when they act in the public interest. Many countries around the world have applied the principle of public interest to defend journalists when they face accusations related to the law. If journalists can prove they are investigating for the public interest and have done their best, they can enjoy legal immunity.
Mr. Stephen Whitle – journalism expert, former director of editorial of BBC – said that ensuring the public interest in the process of investigation is one of the principles of journalists’ operation in the UK. Accordingly, investigative media requires integrity and a desire to serve the community rather than for themselves.
“Journalists must not incite or encourage the behavior that they are looking for in the investigation process. The role of journalists is to record what happened, not make it happen, ”said Stephen Whitle.
At the seminar, journalist Nguyen Vu Binh (Head of Department of Politics and Social Affairs, Tuoi Tre newspaper) introduced the process of Tuoi Tre newspaper office in evaluating, implementing and completing investigative articles and series. . Journalist Dang Anh Tuan (Anh Thoa) presents a presentation on role-playing skills in investigative journalism.
Workshop continues to take place this afternoon 31-3.
(*) The workshop is co-organized by the Institute of Journalism and Communication, Center for Communication and Development Initiatives, Embassy of Denmark.
V.V.THANH
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