Vietnamese Media Groups Urge Law Changes to Manage Websites

Text of report in English by Vietnamese news agency VNA website

[Unattributed article from the "Society-Education" page: "Media Representatives Propose Press Law Changes"]

Hanoi (VNA) -Media representatives argued that changes to the Press Law were needed for the management of new media such as electronic newspapers, personal websites and blogs when they met in Hanoi on December 24.

They agreed also for the need of income tax regulations for media organizations as well as definition of their duties and responsibilities against those of advertising and communication agencies.

The representatives from media agencies throughout Vietnam are in the capital to review the revised Press Law since it came into effect eight years ago and suggest ways it can be made to better serve the work of journalists.

During the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan asked Vietnam ‘s media representatives to discuss ways to improve the qualifications of journalists and media managers.

They should also work to improve the quality of the media in guiding the society and to facilitate the operation and development of a new media, he said.

The representatives said the media had fulfilled its role in communicating State and Vietnam Communist Party policies, guiding the society and meeting people’s need for cultural activities and entertainment.

But malpractice among individual journalists and media organizations through the publication of fabrications and false information, especially in crime reporting, as well as violations of the Press Law and people’s rights to privacy were acknowledged.

There had also been sentimental and advertising stories published for commercial purposes that protected neither the people nor consumers.

The representatives blamed lack of proper management as the media developed vigorously during the past decade of economic reform and global integration for the lapses.

Vietnam has about 15,000 press-card carrying journalists who work for 702 print, broadcast and on-line media agencies from the centre to the grassroots.

Originally published by VNA news agency website, Hanoi, in English 24 Dec 07.

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