22 Works Honored at Inaugural Southern Region Press Awards in Vietnam

The inaugural Southern Region Press Award ceremony celebrated 22 outstanding journalistic works, recognizing excellence in reporting across the region. The awards, established as part of a restructuring to streamline regional press accolades, drew nearly 250 submissions.

Entries spanned print, online, radio, and television formats, submitted by journalists from six southern provinces: Dong Nai, Tay Ninh, An Giang, Dong Thap, Vinh Long, and Ca Mau. The judging panel selected two first-prize winners: a series on "Digital Integrity: Administration for the People" from Dong Nai Radio and Television, and a two-part report titled "Reviving Life from Kind Hearts" by Vinh Long Radio and Television.

Lê Quốc Minh, Chairman of the Vietnam Journalists Association, acknowledged the vast and challenging operational areas for journalists in the southern region following administrative mergers. He highlighted the extensive travel required, often hundreds of kilometers, to reach remote areas for authentic reporting.

Minh also addressed the difficulties faced by local media outlets, particularly after mergers, citing limited resources, funding, and inadequate support for journalists working far from home. He expressed gratitude for the support shown by localities like Tay Ninh and urged continued practical assistance, including accommodation, information access, and incentives for journalists.

“

Và cũng phải thẳng thắn nhìn nhận nguồn lực của nhiều cơ quan báo chí địa phương, nhất là sau hợp nhất, còn hạn chế. Kinh phí, phương tiện, chế độ đãi ngộ cho phóng viên xa nhà đang là bài toán chưa thể có ngay lời giải phù hợp.