Dong Thap Newspaper and Radio, Television Wins Three Prizes at the Inaugural Southern Region Press Awards
(DTO) On the afternoon of June 6, at the Tay Ninh Provincial Convention Center, the Vietnam Journalists Association, in coordination with the Tay Ninh Provincial People’s Committee and the Tay Ninh Journalists Association, held the award ceremony for the inaugural Southern Region Press Awards 2026.
This is the first press awards event in the Southern region after the Vietnam Journalists Association consolidated four regional awards into three. The move aims to streamline operations, concentrate resources, and enhance the quality of journalism activities in the new development phase.
Attending the ceremony were Mr. Le Quoc Minh, Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Head of the Central Commission for Propaganda and Mass Mobilization, President of the Vietnam Journalists Association, and Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan Newspaper; Mr. Tran Trong Dung, Vice President of the Vietnam Journalists Association; Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hai, Deputy Secretary of the Tay Ninh Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Tay Ninh Province; Ms. Nguyen Thi Xuan Huong, Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee and Head of the Provincial Commission for Propaganda and Mass Mobilization; Mr. Pham Tan Hoa, Vice Chairman of the Tay Ninh Provincial People’s Committee; leaders of journalists’ associations from provinces and cities, and representatives of media organizations across Southern Vietnam.
The inaugural Southern Region Press Awards attracted nearly 250 entries submitted by journalists, association members, and resident correspondents from media organizations in six Southern provinces: Dong Nai, Tay Ninh, An Giang, Dong Thap, Vinh Long, and Ca Mau.
Following the preliminary round, 80 entries advanced to the final round. The judging panel selected 22 award-winning works, including 2 First Prizes, 4 Second Prizes, 6 Third Prizes, and 10 Consolation Prizes.
In the print and online journalism category, the First Prize went to the four-part megastory series “Digital Integrity: A People-Centered Administration” by Phan Thi Kim Ngan, Le Thuy Ha, Tran Thi Ngan Trieu, and Nguyen Hoang Hai of Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television.
In the radio and television category, the First Prize was presented to the two-part television feature “Reviving Life Through Compassionate Hearts” by Lam Thi Kim Thoa, Bui Tan Vu, Ngo Gia Quy, and Do Thi Hien Vuong of Vinh Long Newspaper and Radio, Television.
According to the organizing committee, this year’s entries demonstrated significant investment, creativity, and a strong sense of social responsibility among journalists. The works covered a wide range of topics, including the implementation of Party resolutions, innovation in agriculture, science and technology, administrative reform, livelihood issues, and human-interest stories that vividly reflect everyday life.
The honored works not only showcased professional excellence but also highlighted the innovation, creativity, and growth of Southern Vietnam’s journalism sector. They helped promote the image of a dynamic, compassionate region with strong aspirations for development, while reaffirming the role of the press in reflecting reality, guiding public opinion, and spreading positive values.
Speaking at the ceremony, Vietnam Journalists Association President Le Quoc Minh noted that following the merger of administrative units, journalistic coverage in Southern Vietnam has expanded significantly, stretching from Dong Nai and Tay Ninh to Ca Mau, and from the southwestern border areas to coastal regions. Many reporters must travel hundreds of kilometers, cross rivers, and traverse remote areas to produce authentic stories.
He emphasized that reporting conditions remain challenging. Some journalists spend weeks away from home, while many young reporters must work in distant assignments soon after entering the profession. Journalism has always been demanding, and recent changes have made it even more challenging. He also acknowledged that many local media organizations, particularly after mergers, continue to face limited resources. Funding, equipment, and support policies for reporters working far from home remain unresolved issues.
“Therefore, the attention, support, and assistance provided to journalists, media organizations, and journalists’ associations by local authorities are invaluable. I hope that Tay Ninh and other provinces and cities in the region will continue to accompany and create more practical conditions for resident correspondents, while also facilitating access to information, providing favorable reporting mechanisms, and implementing timely policies to encourage and support journalists,” Le Quoc Minh stressed.
The success of the 1st Southern Region Press Awards marks an important milestone, reaffirming the strong position of regional journalism within the broader development of Vietnam’s Revolutionary Press. It also serves as a major source of motivation for journalists across Southern Vietnam to continue innovating and improving the quality of their work to better fulfill political tasks and meet the growing information needs of the public.
Dong Thap Newspaper and Radio, Television won three prizes, including two Third Prizes and one Consolation Prize. In the print and online journalism category, a Third Prize was given to the three-part series “Consolidating Party Organizations After Mergers: Strong Foundations - Deep Roots - Enduring Vitality” by Le Phuong Mai and Nguyen Van Thao. A Consolation Prize went to the five-part series “Awakening the Potential of River Islands” by Duong Van Ut and Vo Minh Thanh. In the radio and television category, a Third Prize was presented to the television feature “Bumper Harvest, Falling Prices: An Old Question Awaiting New Answers” by Nguyen Thanh Truong, Le Nguyen My Duyen, Le Nguyen Xuan Hoang, and Huynh Thi Thu Thao. |
By L.P.
Translated by ANH DUC
