The Shared Home of Lam Dong Journalists
After the merger of Lam Dong, Binh Thuan and Dak Nong provinces, the Lam Dong Journalists Association officially enters a new phase of development with an expanded organizational structure and greater responsibilities. This is not only a rearrangement of the organization under the general leadership but also a testament to the solidarity of journalists across the province, all working toward the common goal of building a professional, modern, humane, and socially responsible press.
The First Congress of Delegates of the Lam Dong Journalists Association for the 2026–2031 term marks a significant milestone, opening a new chapter in strengthening the Association and fostering unity, professionalism, and sustainable development.
In line with the Party's policy on streamlining the organizational system, the Lam Dong Journalists Association was officially established on July 1, 2025 through the merger of the former Journalists Associations of Lam Dong, Binh Thuan and Dak Nong provinces.
The merger represents an important transition, enabling journalists across the province to operate within a unified professional organization that is better positioned to strengthen solidarity, represent members' interests and provide professional support.
Following the consolidation, the Association comprises 450 members organized into six affiliated chapters. This broad membership draws on the rich journalistic traditions of the three former provinces, bringing together news organizations, journalists and reporters who have accompanied local socio-economic development and contributed to national defense and security over many decades.
While each region has its own distinctive characteristics, journalists throughout the province share a common mission: to report truthfully and objectively on social life, communicate the Party's guidelines and the State's policies and laws, and accompany local development. From the Central Highlands and border areas to coastal communities and island districts, journalists have remained close to reality, providing timely coverage of issues of public concern.
The establishment of the unified Lam Dong Journalists Association not only enhances organizational management and member coordination, but also creates broader opportunities for professional exchange, knowledge sharing and collaboration among news organizations and affiliated chapters. It is expected to further improve the Association's effectiveness while strengthening the journalism profession to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving media landscape.
Le Huy Toan, Member of the Lam Dong Provincial Party Committee, Director of Lam Dong Newspaper and Radio-Television, and Chairman of the Lam Dong Journalists Association, emphasized: "The most important outcome of the merger is not simply an increase in membership, but the creation of a shared home built on unity—where every journalist can exchange ideas, support one another, learn together and grow professionally. That will serve as the foundation for an increasingly strong Lam Dong Journalists Association."
To ensure stable operations following the merger, the provisional Executive Committee has focused on consolidating the organizational structure, reviewing membership, developing operating regulations and gradually bringing all activities into a standardized framework. Initial challenges related to organization, personnel, funding, facilities and operational mechanisms are being addressed through the collective responsibility and solidarity of the Association's leadership and members.
Looking back on the 2020–2025 term, despite operating separately across three provinces, the Journalists Associations of Lam Dong, Dak Nong and Binh Thuan carried out numerous practical initiatives that contributed to improving professional standards and fostering an increasingly professional journalism environment.
Political and ideological education, together with professional ethics, remained a priority throughout the term. Members regularly received training on the Party's guidelines, State policies and laws, the Code of Ethics for Vietnamese Journalists, social media regulations and professional conduct.
These activities strengthened members' awareness and sense of responsibility in their reporting work. At the same time, professional development programs continued to evolve. Throughout the term, the associations jointly organized numerous training courses on modern journalism, multimedia reporting, digital transformation and the application of artificial intelligence in newsroom operations.
Hundreds of journalists updated their professional knowledge and enhanced their reporting skills, enabling them to keep pace with the rapidly changing media environment.
Provincial journalism awards continued to attract strong participation, with many high-quality entries. During the 2020–2025 term, members won a total of 519 provincial journalism awards, while numerous works were selected for and honored at the National Press Awards and other specialized journalism competitions. These achievements reflect the professionalism, creativity and strong sense of responsibility demonstrated by local journalists.
Traditional activities, including the Spring Press Festival, participation in the National Press Festival, publication of The Journalist special edition, and support for the creation of high-quality journalistic works, were maintained throughout the term. These programs provided valuable platforms for professional exchange while encouraging creativity and journalistic excellence.
Beyond their professional responsibilities, journalists' associations at all levels remained actively engaged in charitable and community initiatives.
During the term, the three provincial associations mobilized more than VND 1.36 billion to support disadvantaged students, provide scholarships, build charity houses, assist vulnerable families and help communities affected by natural disasters, further demonstrating the social responsibility of journalists toward the community.
The former Lam Dong Journalists Association also expanded its international engagement by establishing cooperation with the Thailand Local Media Association, contributing to the promotion of the province's image, its people and its development potential.
Entering a new stage of development, rapid technological advances, digital transformation and changing patterns of news consumption are creating new challenges for both journalism and professional organizations. These developments will shape the key priorities of the Lam Dong Journalists Association during the 2026–2031 term.
According to Chairman Le Huy Toan, the Association will continue strengthening solidarity among members, improving professional training, reinforcing political integrity and professional ethics, enhancing the role of affiliated chapters, and creating a practical and effective environment for professional engagement.
During the new term, the Association will also focus on strengthening its capacity for digital transformation, further developing The Lam Dong Journalists Special Edition and the Lam Dong Journalists online portal, expanding domestic and international cooperation, and better safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of its members.
Under the theme "Unity – Integrity – Innovation – Development," the 1st Congress of the Lam Dong Journalists Association marks not only a major milestone in building a unified organization following the merger, but also the beginning of a new era for the province's journalism community.
Building on the proud traditions of the former journalists' associations of Lam Dong, Binh Thuan and Dak Nong, and guided by the values of unity, responsibility and innovation, the Lam Dong Journalists Association will continue to strengthen its role in bringing journalists together, providing professional guidance and supporting its members. In doing so, it aims to foster a corps of journalists with strong political commitment, professional excellence and the capacity to meet the evolving requirements of Vietnam's revolutionary press in the new era.
Selected Photos of Lam Dong's Journalists
Written by: Thanh Nhan (with archival footage)
Graphics: Nguyet Nga