Data journalism: Turning data into a story
Data journalism helps me clarify financial and banking issues with specific numbers, instead of just reporting general news. I try to exploit data from the State Bank, bank financial reports or statistical sources to make the article basical and easy to understand.
In the article "Banks adjust interest rates, the credit market fluctuates" (April 15, 2025), I used data from the State Bank to analyze the trend of deposit interest rates. The article outlines the impact on depositors and borrowers, along with a chart comparing interest rates between banks. Processing data with Excel and creating simple charts has helped readers grasp the problem easily.
Another article is Groupe 5 debt of many banks skyrockets (May 2, 2025). Based on financial reports, I pointed out that the bad debt ratio (Group 5) increased sharply in some small banks. The data is presented through a summary table for easy tracking, then deployed into charts attached to the article. After the article was published by Lao Dong Newspaper, the Prime Minister directed the handling of bad debts as mentioned in the article we published: "The Prime Minister directs the handling of bad debts after the reflection of Lao Dong Newspaper" (May 30, 2025).
Not only exploiting data at each time, I also gradually formed the habit of storing and synthesizing data over time, to serve long-term analysis. For example, with the profits of large enterprises on the stock exchange, I built a 3-5 year statistical table to have a clearer view of growth trends, bottlenecks, or breakthrough periods.
Similarly, when writing about deposit or lending interest rates, having a data chain of 1-3 years helps me not only say increase or decrease, but also clarify the level, speed and circumstances of change. Combined with the State Bank's management orientation, it will make predictions to write articles, taking the lead in informing readers. This seems time-consuming but helps me be more proactive when a topic arises, and is especially useful when I need to write an in-depth analysis or topic.
I use Excel to synthesize data quarterly or annually, and make clear source notes for easy verification and reuse later, then use Infograms to optimize data into charts. This is a small step in the process of working, but it has a great effect in improving the quality of the article and affirming the reliability of the information.
I am still learning how to use tools like Power BI to process data more effectively. I am currently taking advantage of data reports from reputable financial data providers in parallel. Population tables are sometimes challenging, but they make articles more compelling and reliable.
Solution journalism: From reflection to action
A typical example for solution journalism is the issue of access to credit for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Instead of stopping at reflecting the difficulties of these businesses when borrowing from banks, an article in the direction of solution journalism can analyze successful models, such as the credit support program of a specific bank or microfinance initiatives in other countries.
At Lao Dong Newspaper, the biggest highlight of solution journalism is the thematic seminars organized by the newspaper. For example, the workshop "Personal Income Tax Law, ensuring fairness, promoting growth" held on March 14, 2025 in Hanoi. This workshop, organized by Lao Dong Newspaper in collaboration with the National Economics University, created a forum for experts such as Associate Professor, Dr. Phan Huu Nghi (National Economics University) and Ms. Nguyen Thi Cuc (Vietnam Tax Consulting Association), Associate Professor, Dr. Le Xuan Truong - Head of the Tax Department, Academy of Finance.... to discuss the shortcomings and limitations of the Personal Income Tax Law.
Issues such as the outdated family deduction or the 35% tax rate that puts pressure on high-income people are also discussed, along with proposals such as extending tax rates and applying tax management technology to reduce tax evasion. The workshop not only reflects the current situation but also proposes specific solutions, such as adjusting the family deduction level according to inflation and synchronizing income data. This is the spirit of solution journalism: creating a bridge between the parties to find a way, instead of just stopping at reflection.
Currently, the team of reporters from Lao Dong Newspaper is making efforts to apply data journalism and solutions to write more practical articles. At the publishing office, we learned about data journalism, how to apply AI in the working process, through professional activities and thematic activities.
I understand that the combination of data journalism and solution journalism creates a comprehensive approach, both providing evidence-based information and providing a positive direction. And to successfully apply these two forms of journalism, journalists need to invest in data analysis skills, critical thinking and storytelling skills.
This journey is still challenging, from data processing to finding feasible solutions, but the articles of Lao Dong Newspaper receiving feedback from readers and the impact as directed by the Prime Minister is the motivation for us to continue to learn, coordinate with colleagues and experts, and bring readers in-depth and impressive articles.
