Ngọc Giàu and Huỳnh Kha wrote this Vietnamese article, published in Luat Khoa Magazine on Mar. 4, 2025. Thúc Kháng translated it into English for The Vietnamese Magazine.
After the Vietnamese government’s January 2025 initiative to ‘streamline’ the country’s state-owned press and media agencies, many hoped the initial turbulence would give way to stability. Instead, the Politburo’s Conclusion 127 has ushered in a new phase—one that poses even deeper, and potentially existential, challenges to their survival.
The “final showdown” for Vietnam’s dedicated and devoted press that supports the Communist Party of Vietnam looms over the horizon as many well-established media outlets and institutions face their ultimate reckoning.
The Press Bureau Will Be Under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
On Mar. 13, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced the new organizational structure, along with the functions and responsibilities of the Press Bureau.
Under this new structure, this ministry will oversee the national press system—including print and electronic newspapers—and have the authority to issue, amend, supplement, or revoke all types of licenses related to journalistic activities.
Additionally, the Press Bureau will manage press-related advertising and regulate press content published on social media platforms.
Previously, the Press Bureau operated under the Ministry of Information and Communications. That ministry has since been dissolved and merged with the Ministry of Science and Technology, and press management responsibilities have been transferred to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Following Decree No. 43/2025/ND-CP, the Press Bureau, the Department of Broadcasting and Electronic Information, and the Directorate of Basic Information and Foreign Information have also been transferred to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
The Merger of Two Subsidiaries of Voice of Vietnam (VOV)
On Mar. 12, Voice of Vietnam (VOV) announced the merger of the VOV Electronic Newspaper and the Voice of Vietnam Newspaper into a single entity: the Voice of Vietnam Electronic Newspaper, as per Government Decree No. 46.
The Voice of Vietnam Electronic Newspaper is one of VOV’s 21 affiliated units. It has an English-language version and is published in print every Thursday.
Under the new structure, VOV consists of 21 subordinate units. These include four units that serve the general director, 13 news divisions with foreign correspondents, one broadcasting technology unit, one advertising services unit, and one research unit.
VOV’s management board is led by Do Tien Sy, and there are four deputy directors: Tran Minh Hung, Ngo Minh Hien, Vu Hai Quang, and Pham Manh Hung.
VOV underwent organizational restructuring at the government’s request. As part of this process, VOV TV ceased broadcasting on Jan. 15.
Appointment of Newspaper Leadership Following the New Arrangements
Vietnam’s state-owned media, also known as revolutionary journalism, has undergone a period of significant transformation. Following the restructuring of the press system, some publications have been dissolved, while others have emerged through mergers. Concurrently, many press leaders have been reassigned or appointed to new positions.
On Feb. 28, Hoang Trung Dung, the secretary of the Ha Tinh Provincial Committee, was appointed by the Communist Party Politburo as editor-in-chief of the Communist Journal, replacing Le Hai Binh, who returned to serve as deputy minister at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
On Mar. 1, journalist Nguyen Ngoc Thach (editor-in-chief of Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper), formerly editor-in-chief of the Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper, was appointed editor-in-chief of the Agriculture and Environment Newspaper, the official publication of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. The deputy editors-in-chief are Hoang Manh Ha, Le Trong Thanh, Le Xuan Dung, Tran Van Cao, Vu Minh Viet, and Ly Thi Hong Diep.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment was created from a merger between the Ministry of Resources and Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Following the merger, the ministry now operates two press agencies: the Agricultural and Environmental Newspaper and the Journal of Agriculture and the Environment.
On Mar. 3, the Ministry of Construction held a conference to announce appointments within its press agency. Nguyen Thi Hong Nga, formerly editor-in-chief of the Transport Newspaper, was seconded and appointed as editor-in-chief of the Construction Newspaper. Her deputies include Tao Khanh Hung, Nguyen Duc Thang, La Duc Hung, and Nguyen Son Tung.
At the same time, Nguyen Thai Binh continues to serve as editor-in-chief of Construction Magazine. The deputy editors are Nguyen Van Huong, Nguyen Thanh Hoa, Ly Ngoc Thanh, and Pham Van Dung.
Previously, as part of the government’s plan to restructure ministries, the Ministry of Transport was dissolved and merged into the Ministry of Construction. The newly expanded Ministry of Construction now includes two press agencies: the Construction Newspaper and the Construction Magazine.
Also on Mar. 3, Finance – Investment Newspaper, now under the reorganized Ministry of Finance, appointed a new Editor-in-Chief: Pham Van Hoanh, formerly editor-in-chief of the Vietnam Financial Times. The five deputy editors-in-chief are Le Trong Minh, Dinh Hung, Bui Duc Hai, Nguyen Van Hong, and Nguyen Quoc Viet.
The remaining Ministry of Finance press outlet is the Economic-Finance Journal, which is now led by editor-in-chief Pham Thu Phong (formerly of the Vietnam Finance Times). The Deputy editors-in-chief are Vu Thi Anh Hong, Dang Thi Thanh Mai, Nguyen Hai Hong, and Do Van Hai.
Earlier, a total of 11 press agencies under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Finance, and Vietnam’s Social Insurance were consolidated as part of the government’s restructuring efforts.
Ho Chi Minh City Will Apply a Special Mechanism to Its Renowned Press Outlets
Once known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City has long been regarded as the cradle of the Vietnamese-language press. Today, amid sweeping government reforms, many of its historic newspapers face an intense struggle for survival.
Some of the notable media outlets in this city include:
- Ho Chi Minh City Television: Operating under the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee
- Voice of the People of Ho Chi Minh City: Operating under the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee
- Sai Gon Giai Phong: Operating under the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee
- Tuoi Tre: Operating under the Ho Chi Minh Party Committee
- Nguoi Lao Dong: Operating under the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee
- Phu Nu Ho Chi Minh City: Operating under the Ho Chi Minh Party Committee
- Phap Luat Ho Chi Minh City: Operating under the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee
- Cong giao va Dan toc: Operating under the Ho Chi Minh City Committee for Catholic Solidarity
- Giac Ngo: Operating under the Ho Chi Minh Buddhist Association
In addition, the Ho Chi Minh Party Committee oversees its official website, while the Ho Chi Minh Police Department manages the Ho Chi Minh Police Newspaper, among others.
Following the government’s press reorganization in January 2025, no information has been provided regarding the merger or restructuring of any of the aforementioned outlets.
Moreover, as per the Central Propaganda and Education Department, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi will explore a media conglomerate model or a press-media group. According to the draft amended Press Law, this structure would have “financial and salary mechanisms akin to businesses” and “be allowed to invest in enterprises.”
At the end of February, Ho Chi Minh City announced the completion of its restructuring efforts. However, the fate of this renowned group of newspapers remains uncertain.
On Mar. 6, 2025, Ho Chi Minh City held a summary meeting on press and publishing for 2024 and initiated tasks for 2025. A noteworthy point from this conference was that the city would focus on the reorganization and operational activities of local press and publishing this year. This effort will be based on “directives from the Central Government” and the “unique conditions of the city.”
It is possible that Ho Chi Minh City has successfully requested an extension for press reorganization until the end of 2025. There is also a possibility that the city will apply a “special mechanism” to retain the brand names of many prominent newspapers.
VnExpress and VietNamNet
On Mar. 3, 2025, at approximately 3:00 p.m., a report on the Government Information page stated, “VnExpress is a newspaper under the Ministry of Science and Technology.” Shortly thereafter, the page announced the transfer of VietNamNet to the Ministry of Ethnic Affairs and Religion — a new entity established by merging the Ministry of Home Affairs with the Ethnic Committee.
According to Government Decree 55, VnExpress will now function under the Ministry of Science and Technology, while VietNamNet will continue to operate until the relevant authorities approve its transfer to the new ministry.
These notable developments came after the Politburo and the Secretariat announced Conclusion 127 on Feb. 28, 2025.
Item II.2 of Conclusion 127 states: “[…] A comprehensive review of the functions, tasks, and organizational structure of agencies and organizations, particularly media outlets, [will be done] to ensure unified management and effective operation, aiming for maximum streamlining while maintaining only truly necessary units […].”
VnExpress, famous for its slogan, “the most viewed Vietnamese language newspaper,” was founded by FPT Corporation. In 2022, as part of the national media development and management planning through 2025, VnExpress merged with the Science and Development Newspaper, retaining its original name. The outlet excels in online journalism and diverse content formats, from in-depth features enriched with data to popular columns like “Perspectives,” where scholars offer insights on current issues.
Meanwhile, VietNamNet has lost some of its prior appeal, especially as traditional newspapers that originated from print, such as Tuoi Tre and Thanh Nien, have pivoted to enhance their online presence.
However, VietNamNet was one of the pioneers of online newspapers in the country, having launched on Dec. 19, 1997 — a month after Vietnam connected to the internet. During its inception, VietNamNet attracted many talented journalists. By June 20, 2008, VietNamNet was placed under the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Before any official announcements about the status of these two publications, the Government Office, on Mar. 1, 2025, drafted a decree detailing the functions, responsibilities, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Science and Technology. Notably the decree included Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s plan to merge VietNamNet with VnExpress, following the termination of the Ministry of Information and Communications and its integration into the Ministry of Science and Technology.
As of now, VnExpress and VietNamNet remain separate entities, each operating under a designated government ministry.
Two Central Trade Union Newspapers Face Merger Risks
According to the Politburo, each ministry and equivalent agency should operate only one newspaper and one specialized scientific journal, prompting reorganization to align with this directive.
Currently, there are three newspapers under the Central Trade Union: Tien Phong (1953), Thanh Nien (1986), and Thieu nien Tien Phong va Nhi Dong (1954).
All three publications were retained by the end of January 2025; however, it is uncertain if these renowned newspapers will be able to operate with the same level of independence as before. Thanh Nien may also be merged into Tien Phong, and it is also conceivable that both newspapers could be phased out entirely.
The fate of these publications largely depends on the proposals that the Party Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and other government agencies will present to the Politburo in March.
Various socio-political organizations in Vietnam also maintain their own publications. For example, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor has the Lao Dong Newspaper and the Labor and Union Magazine; the Vietnam Women’s Union has the Vietnam Women’s Newspaper; and the Vietnam Fatherland Front publishes Dai Doan Ket and the Mat Tran Magazine, among others.
Dan Tri Newspaper Transferred to the Ministry of Home Affairs
On Mar. 2, 2025, Dan Tri became the “official mouthpiece of the Ministry of Home Affairs,” pursuant to Government Decree No. 25, dated Feb. 21, 2025. This decree outlines the Ministry of Home Affairs’s functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure.
Previously, Dan Tri was under the Ministry of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs. However, political restructuring led to its dissolution and its functions and tasks have been transferred to other government agencies.
Likewise, the Labour and Social Affairs Magazine — previously under the now-defunct Ministry of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs — has also been placed under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs. It merged with To Chuc Nha nuoc Magazine to form the To chuc Nha nuoc va Lao dong Magazine.
Dan Tri is an emerging powerhouse in online journalism, ranking among the most-viewed newspapers in Vietnam. It has attracted many talented writers who have previously worked at the electronic magazine Zing News — another online news outlet that has been gradually fading from prominence.
Under the media development plan, Dan Tri merged with the Lao Dong and Xa hoi in 2023to become the Dan Tri Newspaper.
Current Official Mouthpieces of 17 Ministries and Government Agencies
Following the recent reorganization, the Vietnamese government now consists of 17 ministries and agencies, each with its respective official mouthpiece as follows:
- Ministry of National Defense:
- Vietnam Defense Television (mouthpiece of the Central Military Commission)
- People’s Army Newspaper (agency of the Central Military Commission),
- National Defense Journal (General Political Department)
- Army Broadcasting and Television Center (General Political Department)
- Ministry of Public Security:
- People’s Public Security Newspaper (along with the Ho Chi Minh City Police special section, Capital Security)
- People’s Public Security Television
- People’s Public Security Journal
- Ho Chi Minh City Police (of the Ho Chi Minh Police Department)
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
- The World and Vietnam Newspaper
- Ministry of Home Affairs:
- Dân Trí Newspaper
- State Organization and Labor Journal
- Ministry of Justice:
- Vietnam Law Newspaper
- Democracy and Law Journal
- Ministry of Finance:
- Finance – Investment Newspaper
- Economics – Finance Journal
- Ministry of Industry and Trade:
- Industry and Trade Newspaper
- Industry and Trade Journal
- Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development:
- Agriculture and Environment Newspaper
- Agriculture and Environment Journal
- Ministry of Construction:
- Construction Newspaper
- Construction Journal
- Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism:
- Culture Newspaper
- Arts and Culture Journal
- Ministry of Science and Technology:
- VnExpress
- The Vietnam Science and Technology Journal
- Ministry of Education and Training:
- Education and Times Newspaper
- Education Journal
- Ministry of Health:
- Health and Life Newspaper
- Ministry of Ethnic Affairs and Religion:
- VietNamNet
- Ethnic and Religious Studies Journal
- State Bank of Vietnam:
- Banking Times
- Government Inspectorate:
- Inspector Newspaper
- Inspector Magazine
- Government Office:
- Government Electronic Portal
The Second Major Overhaul of Vietnamese Media
In January 2025, state media underwent its second “major overhaul” amid efforts to streamline the overall political system.
As part of government restructuring, several television stations in Vietnam were dissolved just before the 2025 Lunar New Year, and their functions and tasks were transferred to Vietnam Television (VTV). The affected outlets included VTC Digital Television, Voice of Vietnam (VOV), People’s Television, National Assembly Television, and the Vietnam News Agency. Regrettably, VTV has yet to provide any detailed plans for managing the staff and personnel from the merged channels, leaving their future uncertain.
Additionally, many news and media outlets had already merged before the official announcement was made.
For instance, 11 media agencies previously under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Finance, and Social Insurance were consolidated into a single newspaper and one magazine under the newly structured Ministry of Finance. This reorganization led to the creation of the Finance-Investment Newspaper, formed through the merger of three publications: the Vietnam Financial Times, Investment Newspaper, and the Bidding Newspaper.
Another example, the Economics-Finance Magazine, was established by consolidating five publications from the Ministry of Finance, two from the Ministry of Planning and Investment, and one from Social Insurance.
Moreover, several localities across the country also merged their media agencies. For instance, Hai Phong City established the Hai Phong Journalism and Communications Center after consolidating the Hai Phong Radio and Television Station with Hai Phong Newspaper.