TTLA: The message about corruption in print media today

Author's name: Nguyen Thi Tuyet Minh

Thesis title:The message about corruption in print media today.

Dissertation field: Sociology

Major: Sociology Code: 60 31 30

Name of the postgraduate training unit: University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

1. Purpose and scope of the thesis

Objective: To apply sociological theories and research methods to analyze current anti-corruption messages in print media, and based on that, to propose, explain, and analyze the scientific basis of solutions to improve the quality and effectiveness of anti-corruption messages in print media today.

Target audience: Messages about corruption

2. Research methods used

Quantitative content analysis method: The study primarily uses journalistic content analysis methods with 3729 selected articles on corruption. A quantitative coding system was designed to encode the 3729 articles on corruption collected from three newspapers: Nhan Dan, Tuoi Tre, and Lao Dong from 2005 to 2014.

Qualitative content analysis method: This method is used as a supplementary method to analyze news articles about the PMU18 case and all news articles that do not mention specific corruption cases.

3. Main results and conclusions

3.1. Main results

3.1.1. Regarding the content of anti-corruption messages in print media.

3.1.1.1. Message about the reality of corruption

The message regarding the reality of corruption and anti-corruption efforts is fragmented, disjointed, and primarily dependent on data published by functional agencies such as the Government Inspectorate, audit teams, and planned inspection and monitoring activities. There is a strong emphasis on reporting specific cases and acts of corruption, while neglecting all other areas.

The data on corruption reported in newspapers is clearly sourced from official agencies. This is a very good indicator of the credibility of the message and also shows that newspapers have done a good job of reporting on anti-corruption. However, it also reveals that the role of the press in combating corruption, in getting involved to detect and expose cases, remains unclear.

3.1.1.2. Message about the current state of anti-corruption efforts

The majority of news articles cover corruption cases and acts at the time of prosecution, arrest/arrest warrant issued but before trial. If we consider the time of discovery before arrest, the proportion of news articles accounts for 2/3, while the subsequent periods of trial, sentencing, and appeals only account for about 1/3 of the news articles.

Whistleblowers, their rewards, and their protection have been discussed, but the heated debate has mainly occurred during discussions of the anti-corruption law. News articles addressing this issue primarily focus on the shortcomings, difficulties, and challenges faced by whistleblowers. Overall, there has been no positive message encouraging whistleblowing.

3.1.1.3. The message about the causes of corruption

The causes of corruption are all mentioned in news articles; however, focusing too much on ethical causes is not the most effective approach in anti-corruption communication.

Writing about corruption with seemingly specific but actually vague subjects serves to make the message sound accurate and provides a safe space for the writer, but it is not an effective anti-corruption message.

3.1.1.4. The message about the consequences of corruption

The portrayal of the consequences of corruption, as constructed by the media, is truly unpredictable. The consequences, or assumptions about them, such as the threat to the regime's survival, the loss of public trust in the party and state; the potential for conflicts of interest, social unrest, increased wealth inequality, the inconsistency between words and actions, and the formation of (negative) interest groups, are all mentioned in news reports. Among these, the most frequently cited consequence is the decline in public trust in the Party's leadership and the state's governance.

The most significant consequence of corruption is the hindrance to social development, the creation of social inequality, and its role as one of the root causes of social conflict. The message regarding the consequences of corruption primarily focuses on the decline in public trust, followed by the waste of resources. Other consequences are mentioned less frequently.

3.1.1.5. Message on solutions to combat corruption

The analysis shows that most of the anti-corruption solutions outlined in the Anti-Corruption Law are reflected in news articles mentioning these solutions. However, compared to other topics such as the reality of corruption, anti-corruption efforts, or messages about the causes and consequences of corruption, the proportion of articles on solutions is the lowest. This perhaps indicates a weakness of the press in this area.

News articles mentioning anti-corruption solutions are mainly published during discussions on the anti-corruption law and National Assembly sessions. Accordingly, the anti-corruption solutions mentioned reflect political determination in combating corruption. However, if we consider the opinions of various parties regarding anti-corruption solutions, the majority are top-down voices – primarily those of central leaders and ministries – while opinions from other social strata are minimal. This could create the impression that combating corruption is solely the responsibility of leaders, and the public will not see themselves playing an active role in this effort.

3.1.2. Issues raised regarding the form of the message

3.1.2.1. Regarding the frequency of publishing news articles about corruption.

The issue of anti-corruption journalism remains a hot topic in Vietnam's political, economic, and social life. The press continues to be a channel reflecting the "pulse" of life in the context of combating corruption. However, depending on the perspective of the "gatekeepers" and the political determination of the Party and the State, the stories reflected in the press will vary.

The frequency of news articles about corruption is generally high; however, each story differs at different times, clearly demonstrating the media's tendency to manipulate public opinion. News about corruption is currently mainly reported "seasonally," especially during major national events such as before Party Congresses (where corruption is discussed); before Party resolutions on combating corruption or related issues; and particularly during National Assembly sessions where corruption is debated.

3.1.2.2. Regarding the section for publishing articles on corruption.

The analysis shows that half of the articles about corruption were placed in the current affairs section, indicating that corruption is considered a pressing and topical issue. Although articles discussing the Law on Anti-Corruption accounted for a significant proportion, and particularly those concerning corrupt acts and cases that violate the law, even such articles were not placed in the legal section. This suggests that articles related to corruption have gone beyond the scope of legal articles.

Given that anti-corruption remains a challenging issue requiring both immediate and long-term, comprehensive solutions, having a dedicated section or page on anti-corruption is necessary and practical. At the time of this survey, all three newspapers had such sections or pages. However, there were significant differences among the three newspapers regarding the specific sections or pages dedicated to publishing articles on corruption.

3.1.2.3. Regarding the types of corruption-related news articles published.

Analysis of news articles on corruption reveals that the message about corruption is expressed in a diverse and varied manner, considering the format of the articles. Almost all journalistic genres are used to convey this message.

However, news reporting, particularly news articles, is the dominant genre. From this perspective, the three newspapers have performed very well in their role in the fight against corruption by providing the public with a massive amount of information on anti-corruption efforts. However, the role of the press in the fight against corruption is not only to inform the public about acts or incidents reflecting the reality of the fight against corruption, but also to educate – providing information about the Party and State's policies and laws on anti-corruption. Furthermore, beyond education and information provision, the press also functions to shape public opinion; that is, it serves as a forum for various segments of society to express their will, aspirations, thoughts, and knowledge about anti-corruption. Currently, news articles in the political commentary genre account for a very low percentage, making it difficult to fully utilize their strength as a forum.

3.1.2.4. Regarding the areas of corruption that are published

Most news articles about corruption focus on specific issues or areas, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. However, if the focus is too much on specific cases and areas while neglecting or downplaying the overall picture of anti-corruption efforts, it may not necessarily lead to truly effective anti-corruption communication.

Some areas are more frequently affected by corruption than others, such as transportation, land, construction, and trade, finance, and banking. However, there are areas where corruption is rarely mentioned, such as political corruption, abuse of power, and policy corruption.

The way the newspaper organizes and develops news stories based on specific events and corruption issues appears professional and well-structured. This demonstrates the newspaper's proactive approach, with its teams pursuing various corruption topics, rather than simply reporting on or reproducing past events.

3.1.2.5. Messages about the level and scope of corruption

The analysis results indicate that, considering both domestic and international contexts, news articles on corruption in the three main newspapers primarily reflect domestic corruption. The proportion of articles mentioning corruption in other countries and internationally is quite low, especially in the Labor Newspaper. Therefore, stories about corruption and anti-corruption experiences from other countries around the world, especially those recognized for effectively controlling the situation, are areas of information that need to be explored to convey the message about anti-corruption in a more multifaceted and comprehensive way. Paying more attention to and providing more information on the anti-corruption situation in neighboring countries with influence and shared perspectives, such as China and Russia, is important, but adding other countries, especially the anti-corruption efforts of international organizations, to convey a global picture of anti-corruption is also necessary. Because it's necessary to convey the message that corruption isn't unique to Vietnam, and that many developed countries have controlled the situation very well, demonstrating the importance of governance mechanisms. This shows that corruption isn't due to Vietnamese people being "ugly," "greedy," or "morally corrupt," which is why it's so widespread and serious. Furthermore, conveying anti-corruption messages based on examples from other countries (like China) as we currently do can easily create a biased view of those countries' anti-corruption efforts, or give the impression that "they" fight corruption aggressively and successfully, while "our" country only "talks" about it without acting or acts ineffectively.

If we consider the regional scope, the analysis reveals a rather biased picture, with major and minor cases seemingly concentrated in the Red River Delta (Hanoi); the Southeast region (Ho Chi Minh City); and thirdly, the Mekong Delta (Can Tho). Conversely, other regions are being "ignored," "forgotten," "overlooked," or "shown no corruption," or "not cared about anti-corruption"... in the media.

Similarly, the rural-urban cross-section reveals the same pattern. It seems that the issue of corruption is portrayed by the media only in urban areas, particularly large cities with major corruption cases. Conversely, rural areas are mentioned very little. This bias easily creates the stereotype that corruption only occurs in urban areas, while rural areas are "immune." Corruption is often labeled as bad behavior, moral decay, greed, selfishness, etc., which is typical of urban dwellers, not rural people.

The scope of corruption by administrative level is also worth discussing. Analysis shows that corruption issues/acts/incidents are primarily portrayed in media messages at the provincial level and equivalent. The excessive focus on reporting on cases at the provincial and equivalent levels inadvertently overlooks, downplays, and neglects the remaining levels, from villages to communes, wards, districts, and even the central government and equivalents. While the TT newspaper leads in the percentage of articles mentioning corruption at the central and equivalent levels, the ND newspaper has a higher percentage than the other two, focusing more on the commune, ward, district, and equivalent levels.

3.2. Conclusion

 1The press – a social institution dubbed the fourth power – plays an extremely important role in the fight against corruption. To enhance the role and effectiveness of the press in combating corruption, issues such as freedom of the press, freedom of speech, and the independent role of the press institution alongside an independent, transparent, and rigorous judicial system are key areas that need attention.

2.A message is the informational content exchanged from the source to the recipient and is one of the fundamental elements of the communication process.tprinted intelligenceCorruption can convey diverse, rich, and in-depth information, which is received by the public through visual means combined with logic, depth of argumentation, and empirical evidence. As a particularly dangerous act, corruption harms interests and threatens the sustainable development of nations. As one of the elements of anti-corruption communication, the anti-corruption message in print media addresses corruption from multiple perspectives. Studying communication messages about corruption aims to provide necessary information to the media audience and fulfill the role of guiding public opinion in the fight against corruption.

3.In Vietnam, corruption is a matter of great concern to the entire society. The press has actively reported on the Party and State's policies and guidelines on anti-corruption; on cases, discoveries, and handling of corruption; and on positive factors in anti-corruption efforts. However, the number of articles on the situation, content, and solutions for preventing corruption is still small compared to articles on specific cases..Corruption stems from both objective and subjective causes. The message of anti-corruption solutions includes solutions for preventing corruption (which are emphasized); solutions for detecting corruption; and handling those who commit corrupt acts, other violations of the law, and corrupt assets (other solutions may also be mentioned). However, the important thing is...riceThe proposed legislative solutions must aim at regulating the exercise of public power and at checking and supervising that power.

4Survey results from the newspapers Nhan Dan, Lao Dong, and Tuoi Tre show that the press has clearly demonstrated its function of shaping public opinion through the number of articles reflecting on corruption and the content and frequency of these articles. Although there are significant differences between newspapers, corruption and the reality of corruption are considered topical issues in the Vietnamese press. When reporting on corruption, the majority of articles are in the news agency genre, followed by political commentary and "Letters from the Reader". Ten agencies/sectors are perceived to have the most widespread corruption, and twelve specific areas of corruption are identified. The articles all reflect on anti-corruption efforts or corruption cases in Vietnam, occurring commonly at the village/commune/ward level to the central level. The press also reports on anti-corruption efforts domestically, focusing mainly on urban areas, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

5The Vietnamese Party and State have formulated and implemented many positive policies and solutions to combat corruption, which have been institutionalized into law. Given the demands of the current fight against corruption, it is necessary to accelerate the development, supplementation, and improvement of mechanisms, policies, and laws, and to overcome loopholes in socio-economic management and corruption prevention. Investigative journalism against corruption needs to be elevated to a new level, both professionally and within a legal framework, to further enhance its role and effectiveness in the fight against corruption. Therefore, a strong reform of leadership, management, direction, and operation is needed to improve the Party's leadership capacity and the effectiveness of state management over the press. Research should be conducted to perfect the legal framework, strengthen coordination and support, create favorable conditions for journalists to work, and establish a mechanism for positive and effective feedback on issues reflected in the press. To fulfill their assigned mission and responsibilities, press agencies and journalists must uphold social responsibility, maintain integrity, improve their professional skills, political acumen, and moral character in the fight against corruption. Through this survey, the thesis also offers recommendations and solutions to enhance the effectiveness of the message about corruption in print media across specific areas.

 

SUMMARY OF DOCTORAL THESIS

The author's name:Nguyen Thi Tuyet Minh

Thesis title:Messages of Corruption in the Print in Vietnam Today

Scientific branch of the thesis: Sociology

Major: Sociology Code: 60 31 30

The name of postgraduate training institution: University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Hanoi National University

1. Thesis purpose and objectives

Purpose: It aims to apply theoretical foundations and research methodologies to analyze messages on corruption in print today, on the basis of which imply and interpret, analyze the scientific basis of the solutions in the service of enhancement of the quality, effectiveness of the anti-corruption messages in the print today

Subject:Messages of Corruption

2. Research methods

Quantitative content analysis: The study mainly uses the method of content analysis of 3,729 selected print pieces of news and articles on corruption. A quantitative code set was used to encrypt 3,729 pieces of news and articles about corruption from the print versions of the People's, the Youth, and Labor newspapers from 2005 to 2014.

Qualitative content analysis: This method was used as a complementary method, analyzing news and articles on the PMU18 case and all news and articles not referring to specific corruption cases.

3. Major results and conclusions

3.1.The major results

3.1.1. About the content of the corruption messages in the newspaper

3.1.1.1. Messages on the status of corruption

The message about corruption and anti-corruption is still insignificant and fragmented and mainly depends on data from functional agencies such as the Prime Minister, auditing delegations, and monitoring work as planned. The chief focus was about description of the incident and corrupt behavior while having left out almost all of other areas.

The official sources of data on the state of corruption in the newspapers are clearly specified. This is a very good indication of the credibility of the message, which also shows that newspapers have done well as far as the responsibility of anti-corruption coverage is concerned. However, it also shows that the role of the press in the fight against corruption, eg detecting, exposing the incident ... are still indistinct.

3.1.1.2. Messages on anti-corruption situation

Most of the articles refer to cases and acts of corruption at the time of prosecution, arrest / arrest but not trial. If only considered at the time of discovery, not arrested, they account for about two-thirds of the total articles, and for the subsequent times, including the judicial process, the sentence and the appeals process, they account for about a third of the news and articles.

Whistleblowers and accusers were mentioned, however, the enthusiasm was observed only at the time of discussing the Law of Anti-Corruption. In the coverage of this issue, the main concerns were the inadequacies and the difficulties with the denouncers. In general, there were no positive messages motivating whistleblowers.

3.1.1.3. Messages on the causes of corruption

The causes of corruption were mentioned in the stories, however, focusing too much on ethical causes is not the most effective path in anti-corruption communication.

The usage of definite-cum-indefinite subjects is effective in the sense that it could make the message legitimate while creating a safe corridor for the writer. However, it is not usefule anti-corruption messages.

3.1.1.4. Messages on the consequences of corruption

The picture of the consequences of corruption created by the media is immeasurable. The consequences or assumptions about the consequences as the biggest is threatening the survival of the regime, distrust of the people into the party, the state; Social conflicts, widening the gap between the rich and the poor, creating a situation of speech that does not go hand in hand with employment, creating interest groups (negatively) ... are mentioned in news stories. In particular, the decline in the confidence of the people in the leadership of the Party and state management has the highest percentage.

The greatest reported result of corruption was the retrogression of social development, which created social inequality and was one of the most profound causes of social conflict. The messages addressing the consequences of corruption mainly were about the decline of the people's trust, which was followed by the waste of resources. Other consequences were not mentioned much.

3.1.1.5. Messages on the solutions to corruption prevention

The analysis shows that the anti-corruption measures outlined in the Law of Corruption Prevention are mostly reflected in the related articles. However, compared with other topics such as corruption, anti-corruption, or message of cause, the percentage of the news and articles about anti-corruption solutions accounts for the lowest percentage.

News coverage of anti-corruption measures was mainly organized around special occasions such as anti-corruption law discussion and parliamentary sessions. evolved, the proposed anti-corruption measures demonstrate the political will in the fight against corruption.

However, if the opinion providers in the anti-corruption solutions are taken into consideration, it was mainly the voice from the top, which is the opinion of the central leaders, the ministries, the opinion of Other social classes are few. This issue could create a sense of anti-corruption that leaders and the public will not see themselves playing an active role in this.

However, if the opinion providers are taken into consideration, it was mainly the voice from the top such as the central leaders, the ministries, however, the opinion of the other social classes was fewer. This issue could create a sense that anti-corruption was just leaders' responsibility while the public did not see themselves playing an active role in this.

3.1.2. Issues relating to the message format

3.1.2.1. About the frequency of the articles

The anti-corruption is still a hot topic in Vietnam's socio-economic and political life, and the press continues to reflect the "breath" of life on the level of anti-corruption. However, depending on the views of the "gate keeper" and the political will of the Party and State, the story conveyed in the press is different.

Frequency of postings on corruption is generally high, however, each story was different and clearly reflective of the media's direction of public opinion.

Current corruption reports are mainly "seasonal", especially on the occasion of major events in the country as before the congresses (where corruption was put on the table). the); in line with the Party's resolutions on anti-corruption or related issues; In particular, parliamentary sessions where corruption is discussed.

3.1.2.2. About the column of postings

Analysis shows that ½ of corruption reports were in the news category, suggesting corruption was a hot and topical issue. Although the coverage of the anti-corruption law is relatively high, especially corruption behaviours, the corruption case was primarily a violation of law, but even such reports were not included in the legal section. This suggests that corruption-related stories have gone beyond the legal framework.

In the context of anti-corruption still a problem, which should be resolved in the short-term and long-term and in a synchronized way, there is a section, specialized pages on anti-corruption is necessary and practical, indeed at the time of our survey, all three newspapers have already had. There are, however, significant differences between the three selected print media regarding this specialized column.

3.1.2.3. About the formats of corruption stories published

Research findings show that the formats are diverse. However, news account for the majority. In this respect, it is possible to see that the three newspapers that have performed very well in their role in the fight against corruption by giving the public a huge amount of anti-corruption news.

However, the role of the press in the anti-corruption movement is not only to inform the public about messages or behaviors presenting anti-corruption status, but also to provide information and education of legislation, directions and policies of the Party and State on anti-corruption.

The media also perform the function of shaping the public opinion, meaning that the media is also a forum for the populace to express their will, aspirations, thoughts, knowledge about anti-corruption. At present, news features of the mainstream media also account for a very low proportion, so it is difficult to develop strengths of the function acting as forums.

3.1.2.4. About the aspects of corruption

Most corruption stories deal with specific issues, which are not bad. However, focusing too much on specific cases and areas while forgetting or neglecting the whole picture of anti-corruption, it is unlikely that it will actually produce effective anti-corruption communication.

Some aspects were more frequently addressed than others, such as transportation, land, construction, trade - finance - banking ... However, there were few areas of corruption that were rarely mentioned. such as political corruption, corruption of power, corruption of policy. The organization of the news, raising the news and the problem of corruption in the TT Newspaper proves to be professional and indeed taken together the ability to organize a good story line. This demonstrates the activity of the newspaper, not just reporting.

3.2. Conclusion

1. Journalism - a social institution known as the fourth power, plays a very important role in the fight against corruption. To promote the role and efficiency of the press in anti-corruption, the issues of freedom of the press, freedom of speech, the independent role of the press institution in parallel with the independent judicial system, Strictly ... are keywords that need attention.

2. The printed message can convey diverse information, rich, deep information ... is received by the public through visual sense in combination with the logic, the depth of the art of argument and empirical evidence.

As one of the elements of anti-corruption media, the corruption message in print refers to corruption in many ways. To study the message of corruption in order to provide the necessary information for the media and to play the leading role in shaping public opinion regarding anti-corruption.

3.In Vietnam, corruption is a matter for which the whole society cares. The media has actively reported on the policies and guidelines of the Party and State on anti-corruption; about incidents, detecting and handling corruption, active elements in anti-corruption.

However, the number of news stories, the content and the solutions to prevent corruption are few compared to the stories about the cases. Corruption is rooted in objective and subjective causes.

The anti-corruption solution message includes measures to prevent corruption (valued); solutions to detect corruption; dealing with corrupt persons, other legal violation acts and corrupt assets (in addition to other possible solutions). However, it is important that the proposed legislative resolution is aimed at regulating public power enforcement practices and monitoring and supervision of power.

4. Research findings show that the press clearly demonstrates the function of directing public opinion through the number of articles related to corruption and the content and frequency of news coverage. Although there are significant differences between the newspapers, corruption and the current state of corruption is considered as a topical issue in Vietnam's press forum.

When it comes to corruption, the percentage of media types used is mostly used, followed by political journalism and "readers letters". There are 10 agencies which were perceived as having the most common corruption and there are 12 specific corruption cases. The stories reflect anti-corruption or corruption cases in Vietnam, which were common at village/commune/ward levels to the central level. The press also reported on corruption in the country, focusing mainly in urban areas, in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

5. The Party and the State of Vietnam have and implemented a number of aggressive solutions and have been institutionalized developed in law. At the request of the current anti-corruption struggle, it is necessary to accelerate the formulation, supplementation and improvement of mechanisms, policies and laws and overcome loopholes in socio-economic and anti-corruption management. The anti-corruption journalism should be put on a new ground in both the legal profession and environment so that the press can further promote the role and effectiveness of anti-corruption.

Therefore, the leadership, management, direction and administration should be strengthened to improve the leadership capacity of the Party and the effect of state management on the press. Research is needed to improve the legal framework, strengthen coordination and support, create favorable conditions for journalists to reflect to work, to have a positive feedback mechanism and effectively the press issues. In order to fulfill the mission, the authorities and the press agencies should raise the social responsibility, maintain the integrity, improve professional qualifications, professional skills, political virtues and ethics in the fight against corruption. Also through the survey, the thesis offers recommendations and solutions to effectively promote the message on corruption in print on specific aspects.