20-year journey of innovation and development of Phu Tho Electronic Newspaper

On January 1, 2005, Phu Tho Electronic Newspaper (E-Newspaper) made its debut on the Internet at http://www.baophutho.vn, becoming one of the first ten provincial Party newspapers nationwide to go online. In early May 2005, marking the 43rd anniversary of its founding (May 1, 1962 – May 1, 2005), Phu Tho Newspaper officially established its E-Newspaper Department and launched Phu Tho E-Newspaper. This milestone reflected the paper’s determination to embrace digital transformation—a significant turning point in its development.

From Handwritten Manuscripts to “All-in-One” Journalists

Phu Tho Newspaper reporters livestream the Viet Tri City Open Rowing Tournament on Van Lang Lake.

Thanks to the direction of the Provincial Party Committee and the support of provincial leaders, the Editorial Board of Phu Tho Newspaper developed an early strategy to transform the newspaper into a key multimedia press agency of the province. This period witnessed a major shift in mindset—from producing periodic printed editions to providing readers with real-time digital content.

Looking back, Phu Tho’s journalists are proud to have taken bold steps into the digital age, overcoming many difficulties. At the time, only three northern local newspapers had an online edition. The editorial office had just a few computers connected to a local network, and reporters still worked from handwritten drafts. Equipment was scarce, and digital infrastructure was limited. However, with the province’s support, computers were gradually installed across departments.

A seminar held at the studio of Phu Tho Newspaper.

Rapid training sessions were organized to build IT capacity among editors and reporters. Teams were sent to other newspapers to gain experience. Gradually, what was once unfamiliar—the internet, computers, website development, and graphic design—became part of daily work. The concept of a “paperless, inkless” newsroom came to life as Phu Tho E-Newspaper officially launched, proudly standing as Phu Tho province’s first online media outlet connecting readers across the country and beyond.

Reporters on duty during the Hung Kings' Commemoration Day – Hung King Temple Festival.

From the outset, the E-Newspaper made a strong impression by delivering timely news to readers at home and abroad—particularly in times of limited communication and transport, or when printed editions were difficult to distribute. The platform played a vital role in communicating party guidelines, state policies, and provincial leadership to grassroots authorities and organizations. With search keywords like “Phu Tho,” readers could easily access reliable news and learn about the province, attracting interest from investors, overseas Vietnamese, and tourists.

Introducing and promoting Xoan singing of Phu Tho to domestic and international audiences.

Notably, in 2005, during the Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day—Hung King Temple Festival—the online newspaper’s rich and fast-updated content, including images and videos, became a valuable source for domestic and international media. The use of internet television technology allowed for vivid visual storytelling, helping to promote Phu Tho’s people and culture.

As modern equipment and studio facilities were added, the newspaper introduced more diverse multimedia products—infographics, megastories, and live broadcasts—meeting readers' evolving needs. Reporters adapted quickly, becoming “multi-taskers” who could write, photograph, film, edit, and design.

Phu Tho E-Newspaper reporters working during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Phu Tho E-Newspaper has consistently played a vital role in disseminating accurate information about key events: provincial Party congresses, elections, diplomatic activities, and major cultural milestones—like UNESCO’s recognition of the Hung King worship ritual (2012) and Xoan singing (2011 and 2017). These efforts helped boost tourism and raise the profile of Vietnamese cultural heritage.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when print distribution was disrupted, the E-Newspaper ensured the uninterrupted delivery of official information—health updates, regulations, and pandemic policies—building public trust and contributing to Phu Tho’s reputation as a long-standing "green zone."

Most recently, during natural disasters such as the aftermath of Storm Yagi, the newspaper’s live coverage and timely updates kept readers informed and mobilized support to help affected communities recover.

Towards a Modern, Multimedia Press Agency

Twenty years may seem short in the lifespan of a publication, but in the fast-changing world of digital journalism, it marks a remarkable journey. Phu Tho E-Newspaper has continually aligned its political messaging with evolving technology to produce timely, high-quality, and engaging content.

The launch of the English-language page in 2017 and the implementation of a convergence newsroom in 2022 have further enhanced editorial quality under the motto "Accurate—Reliable—Fast—Engaging."

Reporter Le Hoang reporting from the DK1 platform.

The paper’s first e-magazine, Railway—Quiet Notes, debuted in December 2018, pioneering multimedia storytelling in the province.

In recent years, Phu Tho Newspaper has expanded onto social media platforms—Facebook (with nearly 100,000 followers), YouTube, TikTok (blue tick verified, over 2.9 million likes), Podcast, and Zalo—broadening its reach and strengthening efforts against misinformation. These efforts focus on engaging young, tech-savvy audiences with diverse, interactive, and accessible content.

Reporters covering the Hung King Temple Festival.

The integrated newsroom model and live TV broadcasts on digital platforms mark a major step forward. From 2021 to 2024, Phu Tho E-Newspaper has consistently ranked 2nd out of 16 regional Party newspapers in the Northern Midlands and Mountain region and among the top 18 nationally in terms of web traffic.

Today, Phu Tho E-Newspaper is a digital archive of millions of articles, photos, and videos documenting the province’s journey of innovation and growth. It is an inseparable part of Phu Tho Newspaper’s 63-year legacy.

With deep commitment to its social responsibility and civic duty, the team at Phu Tho Newspaper continues to sharpen their skills and uphold the principles of professional journalism. With “bright minds, pure hearts, and sharp pens,” they remain steadfast in the mission to build a modern, humane, and professional Vietnamese press—ready for the new era of national development.

Nguyen Tat Thang

Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Phu Tho Newspaper