Digital transformation of journalism, adapting to new trends

YouTube, Facebook and TikTok are the three main platforms that Long An Newspaper and Radio and Television Station have focused on developing in recent times.

Comprehensive digitalization, the inevitable trend of journalism

The explosion of the Fourth Industrial Revolution , centered on artificial intelligence (AI), big data and the Internet of Things (IoT), has fundamentally changed the public's information consumption habits. Today's readers no longer passively wait for information but actively seek out news quickly and diversely on many digital platforms. This forces press agencies, from central to local levels, to vigorously implement digital transformation.

In Long An, the main press agencies, the Provincial Newspaper and Radio and Television Station, have quickly grasped this trend. The converged newsroom model is no longer a strange concept but is gradually becoming a reality. The content produced is not only for print newspapers or traditional radio and television, but is also optimized for simultaneous distribution on websites, mobile applications and especially popular social networking platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, etc. This helps local news spread quickly, reaching a diverse audience, especially young people - who are spending most of their time online.

Deputy Head of the Department of Electronic Newspaper, Digital Content, Long An Newspaper and Radio and Television Station - Nguyen Dang Chau said: “Thanks to digital platforms, information about Long An is now no longer limited to the province but can reach far, reaching Long An people who are living, studying and working far from home as well as attracting the attention of investors and potential tourists from all over the country and internationally. Along with that, the ability to interact directly with the public through comments, online surveys or livestreams helps the provincial press better understand the needs and desires of readers. This not only creates engagement but also helps build a community of loyal readers, where they can contribute information and opinions, creating a vibrant two-way information flow. With the advantage of digital technology , news is no longer limited to text or static images. Long An press can convey stories and events through short videos, visual infographics, vivid audio podcasts, ...”.

Challenges come with opportunities

Converged Newsroom Model Created with AI

Besides the wide-open opportunities, provincial press also faces many challenges in the process of digital transformation. Compared to central press agencies or those in large cities, local press such as Long An often face financial difficulties in investing in modern technological infrastructure.

Along with that, the digital transformation process requires journalists to not only be good at their profession but also have solid digital knowledge and skills, and the ability to produce multimedia content such as writing, taking photos, filming videos , editing, making infographics, etc.

In the context of "fake news" and misinformation spreading on social networks, mainstream media plays an important role in providing authentic and reliable information, helping to effectively guide public opinion.

Along with that is the pressure on revenue, traditional revenue models from print newspapers and television advertising are declining. Meanwhile, digital revenue models such as online advertising, reader fees, e-commerce or online events are still in the testing phase and are not enough to compensate.

Finding new sustainable sources of revenue is a difficult problem. In the digital environment, the risks of cyber security, cyber attacks, and content being copied and "stolen" are very high. This requires strict security solutions and effective intellectual property protection mechanisms.

Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Tuoi Tre Newspaper - journalist Le Xuan Trung shares about the practice of conveying information to the public

Speaking at a training course to improve writing skills for print and online newspapers, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Tuoi Tre Newspaper - journalist Le Xuan Trung said: "To overcome challenges and maximize opportunities, Long An press needs to continue to adhere to the digital transformation roadmap, focusing on strategic solutions, in which strong investment in technology and digital infrastructure is the top priority.

Build a modern content management system (CMS), apply AI in analyzing reader data to personalize news, optimize search engines to increase accessibility. Organize in-depth training courses on multimedia journalism, digital skills, data analysis for the entire team. Encourage creativity and experimentation with new things.

In addition to mainstream news, it is necessary to further exploit the unique stories of Long An’s humanity, culture, cuisine, and tourism in attractive forms to attract readers. Encourage readers to participate in the news reporting process, create open forums to discuss local issues. Turn readers into “collaborators” or “messengers” for the channel.

Digital transformation is a never-ending journey, requiring perseverance, flexibility and creativity. Long An press is on the right track and with its relentless efforts, continues to affirm its role as a reliable information channel, an important "bridge" between the Party, the State and the People, contributing effectively to the prosperous development of the province in the digital age./.

Khang Nam

Source: https://baolongan.vn/bao-chi-chuyen-doi-so-thich-nghi-voi-xu-huong-moi-a197395.html