Tay Ninh (VNA) – Amidst the vast primaeval forest of Tay Ninh, in the majestic Lo Go – Xa Mat National Park, stands a historical relic – the Memorial Stele of the Liberation Press Agency (LPA). This site is not only a monument but also the heart of a unique "newsroom", where journalist-soldiers transformed the dense forest into a vital "information lifeline", maintaining an uninterrupted flow of news amidst the countless dangers posed by the enemy’s bombs and gunfire.
The LPA, the frontline agency of Viet Nam Thong tan xa (now Thong tan xa Viet Nam, or Vietnam News Agency – VNA), endured steadfastly on the fierce battlefield and carried out reporting and communications missions throughout 15 years, from October 12, 1960, to April 30, 1975. This journey was written with blood, intellect, and courage, deeply engraved in the history of Vietnam’s revolutionary journalism, and became a guiding torch illuminating the nation’s path of struggle.
Historical mission
On October 12, 1960, in the Chang Riec forest in the southern province of Tay Ninh, the first bulletin of the LPA was broadcast, officially marking its establishment. Since then, this agency became the official voice of the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam and later the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam.
More than just reporting news, the LPA served as a sharp ideological weapon, reflecting the growing strength of the revolutionary movement, affirming the righteousness of the Vietnamese people, while exposing the weakness of the puppet regime.
News bulletins, marked GPX (Giai phong xa) and published internationally under the English call sign LPA, were broadcast on the 31-metre wavelength as a message to the world: "The official voice of the patriots of South Vietnam." From the deep forests of Tay Ninh, these broadcasts reached Hanoi and other countries, becoming vivid evidence of a just people's war.
The LPA headquarters on the battlefield had to relocate multiple times over those 15 years to avoid enemy raids: from the Tay Ninh base to Ma Da (Dong Nai), and even once into the Cambodian territory. Yet, regardless of the circumstances, the flow of information remained continuous and uninterrupted.
All reporters, editors, and technicians of the press agency not only wielded pens and cameras but also carried guns to defend their base. Every news bulletin and every photograph published came at the cost of sweat, blood, and sometimes lives. LPA reporters were present everywhere: in battles, among the people, and at the frontlines. They forged an indomitable stream of information, becoming trusted companions of the liberation troops.
No hesitation to shed blood and youth
Such resilience came at an immense cost. Over the 15 years of its existence, more than 200 officials, reporters, and technicians of the LPA fell down. These were young individuals who nonetheless wrote a golden chapter of history with their own blood and lives.
75-year-old journalist Nguyen Sy Thuy, former reporter of the LPA’s GP10 training course, once recalled: “Not only did they carry guns to defend the base and their shelters, but all reporters and technicians of the LPA were present at the fiercest battles, ready to sacrifice themselves like soldiers.” Their courage and bravery created a monument in remembrance of the journalist-soldiers.
In 2000, on this historic land, the LPA Memorial Stele was erected at Lo Go – Xa Mat National Park. This simple yet sacred monument marks the presence and sacrifice of a generation of journalist-soldiers.
With great contributions to the cause of national liberation, the Vietnam News Agency is proud to be the press agency honoured three times with the title of Hero: the Hero of Labour during the “Doi Moi” (Renewal) period (2001), the Hero of the People's Armed Forces (2005), and in 2020, the LPA awarded the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces. This recognition by the Party and the State acknowledges the significant contributions by the VNA to the cause of national construction and safeguarding.
Tran Trang Duong, Chairman of the VNA War Veterans Association and Deputy Director of the VNA Office in the southern region, emphasised that the VNA is the press agency with the highest number of martyrs in the country. In particular, the LPA left behind a generation of heroes who lived and fought in the Chang Riec forest. Future generations must continue that tradition. This spirit has helped forge the resilience of the VNA during the renewal and integration process, and helped the agency make strong strides in the digital age, he added./.
