The Vietnamese news media industry in 2024 continues to evolve rapidly, influenced by technological advancements, economic growth, and changing consumer preferences. While state-owned media still dominate the landscape, independent outlets and digital platforms have gained significant traction, offering a more diverse range of perspectives and news coverage.
Digital transformation has been a key driver of the industry’s growth. The increasing use of smartphones and internet connectivity has led to a surge in digital news consumption. Online news portals, social media platforms, and streaming services have become prominent sources of information, challenging the dominance of traditional media outlets.
In addition to the rise of digital media, independent news outlets have emerged as important players in the Vietnamese news media landscape. These outlets offer diverse perspectives and critical analysis, often challenging the dominant narratives perpetuated by state-owned media. While government oversight remains a factor, there is some room for independent journalism and a wider range of voices.
Vietnam’s news media market
In 2024, the revenue in Vietnam’s newspapers and magazines market is expected to reach approximately US$334.20 million. This is in line with a projected compound annual contraction of -0.22 percent from 2024 to 2029. This would lead to a market volume of about US$330.50 million by 2029. Print newspapers and magazines continue to hold a small share of the news media market, with an estimated market volume of US$158.80 million in 2024, according to Statista.
Furthermore,the number of readers in Vietnam’s newspapers and magazines market is projected to reach 24.6 million by 2029, with a user penetration rate of 25.4 percent in 2024. The average revenue per user is forecasted to be around US$15.22, according to the same Statista data.
Vietnamese news media outlets
Vietnam’s news media landscape is mostly state-owned. There is, however, some limited private ownership, though these outlets are heavily regulated and managed by the state. The most well known Vietnamese news media outlets include:
VnExpress: VnExpress is one of the most popular online newspapers in Vietnam. Launched in 2001, it is known for its comprehensive coverage of national and international news, business, technology, and more. It operates primarily in Vietnamese but also has an English version for international readers.
Tuoi Tre (Youth): Tuoi Tre is a leading print and online newspaper in Vietnam, widely respected for its investigative journalism and in-depth reporting. It is particularly popular among younger audiences and covers a broad range of topics including politics, society, education, and culture.
Thanh Nien (Young People): Thanh Nien is another major daily newspaper that focuses on social issues, education, and economic news. It has a strong presence both in print and online, serving as a significant source of news for Vietnamese readers.
Vietnam News Agency (VNA): VNA is the official state news agency, providing news and information services to both domestic and international audiences. It offers content in multiple languages, including Vietnamese, English, French, Spanish, and Chinese, covering a broad spectrum of topics from government policies to social issues.
Vietnam Television (VTV): VTV is the national television broadcaster of Vietnam, operating several channels that provide news, entertainment, and educational content. VTV News is the organisation’s main news division, delivering daily news programs that are widely watched across the country.
Zing News: Zing News is a modern digital news platform that appeals to younger audiences with its focus on technology, entertainment, lifestyle, and social media trends. It has rapidly grown in popularity due to its interactive and visually engaging content.
English news outlets in Vietnam
Several English-language news outlets in Vietnam provide coverage of national and international news, catering to both expatriates and global readers. Of note, these are all Vietnam-administered publications with foreign investment in Vietnam’s media industry prohibited. Here are some key English news outlets in Vietnam:
VnExpress International: The English version of VnExpress, one of Vietnam’s most popular online newspapers, offers comprehensive news coverage on a wide range of topics, including politics, business, technology, and lifestyle. It is a go-to source for English-speaking audiences seeking up-to-date information about Vietnam.
Vietnam News: Published by the Vietnam News Agency, Vietnam News is one of the country’s leading English-language newspapers. It covers a broad spectrum of topics such as politics, economy, society, culture, and sports. The newspaper is available in both print and online formats.
The Saigon Times: This outlet focuses on business and economic news, providing in-depth analysis and commentary on Vietnam’s economy, markets, and industries. It also covers social and cultural issues, making it a valuable resource for professionals and investors interested in Vietnam.
Hanoi Times: Hanoi Times is an English-language newspaper that provides news on politics, society, culture, and tourism in Vietnam, with a particular focus on the capital, Hanoi. It caters to both locals and expatriates, offering insights into the city’s developments and events.
Censorship in Vietnam
Censorship in Vietnam is a significant issue, with the government maintaining strict control over the flow of information and media content most commonly by utilising the Press Law 2018. The country ranks low on global press freedom indexes due to its stringent regulations on freedom of expression, both online and offline.
Key Aspects of Censorship in Vietnam
State Control Over Media: The Vietnamese government controls most of the major media outlets, and all media is subject to censorship. The Ministry of Information and Communications oversees and regulates content, ensuring that it aligns with the Communist Party’s policies. Independent journalism is highly restricted, and criticism of the government, the Communist Party, or sensitive topics such as corruption or human rights abuses is not tolerated.
Internet Censorship: Vietnam’s internet censorship is extensive, with the government employing a combination of legal regulations, technical measures, and physical intimidation to control online content. The “Cybersecurity Law,” which came into effect in 2019, requires internet companies to store user data locally and remove content deemed “toxic” or “anti-state.” Social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube are monitored, and content critical of the government is frequently taken down. Bloggers and activists who express dissenting opinions online often face harassment, arrest, or imprisonment.
Suppression of Dissent: The Vietnamese government is known for cracking down on activists, bloggers, and journalists who speak out against the state. Arrests and long prison sentences are common for those accused of spreading “propaganda against the state” or “abusing democratic freedoms.” The authorities also engage in intimidation tactics, including physical violence, surveillance, and restrictions on movement.
Control Over Cultural Content: Censorship extends to cultural products, including books, films, and music. All such content is subject to approval by government agencies before it can be published or distributed. Content deemed politically sensitive or offensive to Vietnamese cultural values is often banned or heavily edited.
What’s next?
The Vietnamese news media landscape in 2024 is marked by significant transformations driven by digitalization, government control, and evolving consumer behaviour. Traditional media, particularly print newspapers, are facing challenges as digital platforms become increasingly dominant. The shift to digital has brought both opportunities and challenges, with media outlets needing to adapt to new technologies like AI while navigating strict government censorship. English-language media outlets continue to provide crucial access to information for expatriates and global readers, but they operate under the same regulatory constraints as their Vietnamese counterparts.
Censorship remains a pervasive issue, with the government maintaining tight control over the flow of information, suppressing dissent, and limiting press freedom. Despite these challenges, Vietnam’s media market continues to evolve, reflecting broader global trends while grappling with the unique political and social context of the country. As digital platforms rise and traditional media adapts, the future of Vietnam’s news media will likely continue to be shaped by the interplay between innovation and state control.
With this in mind, foreign firms looking to do business in Vietnam should make sure to keep up to date with the latest developments from a Western, uncensored perspective, by subscribing to the-shiv.