On November 2, at the headquarters of Vietnam Television (VTV), Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the ceremony to announce and present the decision to appoint Mr. Nguyen Thanh Lam, Deputy Minister of Information and Communications (MIC), as the new General Director of VTV, with a five-year term.

In his address, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed joy and emotion as he handed the decision to Lam. The Prime Minister noted that Lam has had over 20 years of experience in television, including 18 years with VTV.

The Prime Minister emphasized that this appointment is not only an honor for Lam but also a source of pride for VTV. He highlighted Lam’s extensive career, marked by significant experience across various positions, describing it as a journey of “leaving and returning.”

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh commended VTV for its efforts in training and nurturing talented personnel who contribute to various ministries, sectors, and localities, demonstrating strong moral and political qualities, high expertise, vision, innovation, and a drive for progress.

Recalling VTV’s history, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of ambition for growth and development. He stated that as the nation enters a new era - an era of significant national advancement new approaches and mindsets are needed. “Resources stem from thought, motivation comes from innovation, and strength comes from the people,” he said. He urged VTV to harness its true strength: its workforce.

The Prime Minister called for unity among the Party Committee, key leaders, staff, and employees of VTV. He advised VTV to build on existing strengths, address shortcomings, resolve issues, and overcome challenges.

Furthermore, VTV was instructed to collaborate closely with other media agencies under the government's management and the direction of the Party Central Committee's Commission for Information and Education to maximize both internal and external strength.

The Prime Minister also called for the development of a dedicated workforce committed to innovation, avoiding routine methods. Assignments should be “clear in terms of personnel, tasks, responsibilities, timelines, effectiveness, and outcomes.”

New goals and aspirations

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized the importance of building modern, efficient infrastructure. Although he recognized VTV’s strong programming, he called for further improvements to meet the demands of the new era, ensuring content resonates with the public and enhances their cultural experience.

“Television programs must inspire, motivate, and create national spirit and strength. They should instill confidence and resilience, ‘use beauty to conquer ugliness, and positivity to overcome negativity,’” the Prime Minister asserted. He highlighted the need for broadcasting that marries national strength with global trends and combats misinformation.

In his acceptance speech, Lam expressed gratitude to the Politburo, the Secretariat, led by General Secretary To Lam, and leaders of various departments and ministries for entrusting him with this significant role.

“Today marks a sacred milestone in my career as I formally assume the role of General Director of VTV - the organization where I started my career upon graduating from university,” said Lam.

He noted that although he had not been directly involved with VTV for the past 13 years, his roles in related areas, especially in government oversight of journalism and broadcasting, kept him connected. Lam expressed his deep appreciation to Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung and past leaders at the MIC for their mentorship and support.

Lam committed to fostering unity within VTV’s Standing Party Committee, and all VTV units to effectively carry out professional duties, steering VTV towards becoming a leading multi-platform media organization with significant societal influence.

Lam also emphasized that in this era of national growth, television professionals need fresh inspiration and creativity, paired with solid political acumen, to safeguard and promote national cultural and ideological values in both real and digital spaces. He stressed that VTV must not only reflect but also guide the transformations of the political system, enterprises, and the lives of over 100 million Vietnamese.

He outlined plans to better serve millions of overseas Vietnamese and promised the launch of the first national foreign-language channel in English to put Vietnam on the global media map.

He vowed to uphold ethical standards, emphasizing inspection and oversight to strengthen work ethics, promptly address issues, and maintain discipline, while ensuring efficient use of resources and preventing corruption.

Background of the new VTV leader

Nguyen Thanh Lam, born in 1972, has an extensive background in journalism. He began his career at VTV in 1993 as an editor for the French-language news segment. Over 20 years, he transitioned from producing French-language programs to Vietnamese content, creating impactful broadcasts.

His career includes positions such as General Director of the digital television station VTC and Deputy Director of the Press Department (MIC). In August 2016, he was appointed Director of the Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information and later became Director of the Press Department in February 2020. He was appointed Deputy Minister of Information and Communications in September 2022.

Tran Thuong