Vietnam cuts major TV broadcaster in sweeping bureaucratic reform


HANOI: One of Vietnam's largest state TV broadcasters went off air Wednesday (Jan 15) as part of sweeping bureaucratic reforms that will see 20 per cent of the public workforce cut across the country.

The ruling Communist party wants to streamline the political system to reduce red tape and slash spending.

The reforms will see eight ministries and government agencies cut and a host of media organisations radically restructured in reforms described as "a revolution" by senior officials.

On Wednesday, VTC -- Vietnam's second-most popular TV station -- went off air, with its 13 channels broadcasting for the final time on Tuesday.

It is unclear what will happen to VTC's 800 employees.

In a farewell message, VTC hosts said that the station had "come to the end of its 20-year mission to serve the community and society".

Together with VTC, another four broadcasters -- VOVTV, VNATV, Quoc Hoi TV and Nhan Dan TV -- have been forced to close.

Meanwhile VTV, the country's largest and most viewed broadcaster, has been assigned to "take on the function and tasks" of these stations, the government said.

All media in Vietnam is controlled to varying degrees by the state, with no independent domestic media agencies allowed.

The reforms, which are expected to get the final nod of approval by parliament in February, will see the number of government ministries reduced from 30 to 22. The civil service, police, the military and various state-owned organisations will all face cuts.

Minister of Internal Affairs Pham Thi Thanh Tra said the reforms were "a revolution not only to streamline the apparatus but also to change mindsets, vision and awareness towards a better future", according to state media.

The cuts come five months after To Lam became Vietnam's most powerful leader, following the death of his predecessor. - AFP

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Vietnam , broadcaster , VTC , TV

Next In Aseanplus News

Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Thursday (Feb 13, 2025)
Valentine's Day romance floats to the skies in Chiang Rai
Johor Baru to have RM2.6bil mall topped by four towers at end of Rapid Transit System (RTS) ride from Woodlands
Evolving crime trends require adaptable and capable police force in Brunei
Six missing, five rescued as fishing boat catches fire in Seoul
MACC remands Datuk, three others over bribery, RM2.6mil in false claims
Two Macau tourists among four dead in Taiwan building gas explosion: two-year-old girl severely injured in incident
Rail operators in Singapore working with Land Transport Authority to improve response, find root causes after recent MRT delays
Family in China accuses mall of negligence after escalator slices off toddler’s fingers
Enforcement officer arrested for taking bribe to accept disposal of diesel below market price

Others Also Read