The first prize of the National Press Awards 2013 will be given to eight works, the largest number to date, according to Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Journalists’ Association (VJA) Ha Minh Hue.

They are the outstanding pieces of journalism, covering the topics of sea and island sovereignty, politics and economy, as well as role models, Hue said at a press conference in Hanoi on June 16.

The second prize will be awarded to 28 works, third prize to 41 and consolation prize to 38.

Major State-run media outlets such as the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), Vietnam Television (VTV) and the Voice of Vietnam radio have continued confirming their position at the forefront of journalism, said VJA Vice Chairman Hue.

These works, which have also joined in criticising negative phenomena, contributing to the fight against corruption and false allegations of hostile forces, will be honoured at a ceremony in Hanoi on June 21 to mark the 89th anniversary of Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day.

The event will be broadcast live on Vietnam Television (VTV) and Voice of Vietnam radio.

The National Press Awards 2013 received a total of 1,665 entries, the largest number so far. The previous awards honoured 117 works.-VNA