DECISION

On Index to evaluate and measure the level of Press Digital Transformation

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THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS

Pursuant to Decree No. 48/2022/ND-CP dated July 26, 2022 of the Government regulating the functions, tasks, powers and organizational structure of the Ministry of Information and Communications;

Pursuant to Decision No. 348/QD-TTg dated April 6, 2023 of the Prime Minister approving Press Digital Transformation Strategy to 2025, with a vision to 2030;

Pursuant to Decision No. 531/QD-BTTTT dated April 4, 2023 of the Minister of Information and Communications promulgating the 2023 Action Plan to implement the Development Strategy of Press for the period 2021-2025, according to Decision No. 2119/QD-BTTTT dated December 31, 2021;

Pursuant to Decision No. 781/QD-BTTTT dated May 8, 2023 of the Minister of Information and Communications promulgating the Action Plan to implement the Press Digital Transformation Strategy to 2025, with a vision to 2030;

At the request of the Director of the Authority of Press.

DECIDES:

Article 1. Issued together with this Decision the Index to evaluate and measure the level of press digital transformation, with the following main contents:

I. OBJECTIVES, REQUIREMENTS, SCOPE AND SUBJECTS OF APPLICATION

1. Objectives

a) Uniformly issue an index of indicators to evaluate and measure the level of press digital transformation as a tool and measure to assess the readiness and level of press digital transformation of news agencies nationwide.

b) Deploy the application of the index to evaluate and measure the level of digital transformation of press agencies nationwide to help each press agency determine its level in the transformation process, so that setting up appropriate digital transformation roadmaps, plans and solutions to help press agencies develop faster and stronger.

c) Serve as a basis for creating a press digital transformation database with accurate information and data to provide press agencies and functional units in state management an overall picture; Provide practical solutions to promote press digital transformation and at the same time, additional tools to evaluate the effectiveness of implementing programs and plans to support the press digital transformation nationwide.

2. Requirements

a) The index to evaluate and measure the level of press digital transformation of press agencies meets the following requirements:

+ Ensuring feasibility and suitability for substantive and objective assessment of the current status of digital transformation of the Vietnamese press;

+ Having opened, updated and developed abilities in accordance with the reality.

b) Having the ability to form a technical system as tools and means to apply the index to evaluate and measure the level of press digital transformation of press agencies to evaluate and monitor the digital transformation process for each press agency, and at the same time support information and provide an updated overview of the Vietnamese press digital transformation.

3. Scope and objects of application

Promulgate and deploy the application of the index to evaluate and measure the level of press digital transformation applicable to all press agencies across the country.

II. INDEX TO ASSESS AND MEASURE THE LEVEL OF PRESS DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

1. Structure of the Index to evaluate and measure the level of press digital transformation

The model evaluates and measures the digital transformation of press agencies, including a table of indicators grouped into 5 pillars of the press digital transformation:

(1) Strategy;

(2) Digital infrastructure, digital platform and information security;

(3) Organizational and professional uniformity;

(4) Readers, audiences, listeners;

(5) Level of digital technology application.

In each pillar, there are component indicators. In each component, there are criteria (10 component indicators and 42 criteria).

2. Levels of digital transformation of press agencies

The digital transformation level of press agencies will be determined based on the total score achieved in the 5 pillars and ranked as follows:

Level 1: less than 50 points - Weak

Level 2: from 50 to less than 60 points - Average

Level 3: from 60 to less than 70 points – Fairy Good

Level 4: from 70 to 80 points - Good

Level 5: over 80 points - Excellent

3. Scoring scale and assessment method

The total maximum rating scale of the Index measuring the digital transformation level of press agencies is 100 points, divided among 5 pillars, in which the maximum score scale of the pillars is identified as follows:

1. Strategy: 18 points
2. Digital infrastructure, digital platform and information security: 24 points
3. Organizational and professional uniformity: 20 points
4. Readers, audiences, listeners: 23 points
5. Level of digital technology application: 15 points

The assessment and measurement of the digital transformation level of press agencies is first done according to each criterion, then calculated according to each component indicator/pillar. Each pillar/component indicator will have criteria and corresponding maximum points for the criteria.

III. EVALUATING, DETERMINING AND RECOGNIZING PRESS DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION LEVELS

1. Self-assessment of the press agency

With the component indicators provided by the press agency, that press agency will simultaneously monitor, evaluate and score the results of its digital transformation level according to the following pillars/component indicators of the Index to evaluate and measure the level of press digital transformation; and under the instructions of the Ministry of Information and Communications. Self-assessed scores of the press agency are registered and logged into its account at the Electronic Information Portal of the Center for Press Digital Transformation Support (https://pdt.gov.vn/) for using the assessment Software and perform assessment and measurement of digital press transformation level for the press agency.

The press agency's reporting and assessment data for each pillar/component indicator will be entered by the press agency into the Software and the score will be automatically calculated. This score is automatically changed continuously according to updated data. Press agencies can track their scores when there is new updated data of the evaluation indicators in the Software.

2. Evaluation of the Ministry of Information and Communications

To ensure comprehensiveness and objectivity, the assessment and measurement of the press digital transformation is authorized by the Ministry of Information and Communications to the Authority of Press for managing and coordinating with relevant authorities to review, collect and compare data provided by press agencies to carry out measurement and assessment of the digital transformation of press agencies based on the self-assessment results of the press agencies. Based on the appraisal results, the press agency's measurement score for each criteria can be adjusted.

For criteria using data provided by press agencies, if the press agency cannot provide information or reporting data for any criteria, the score of the corresponding criteria will be probably scored as 0 point.

3. Announcing the press digital transformation rankings

After being appraised and measured, the press agency will be granted a Certificate of press digital transformation by the Ministry of Information and Communications and can use this Certificate to advertise its brand as well as register to participate in press digital transformation programs and digital transformation projects of state agencies.

The announcement of the digital press transformation level is carried out and announced annually by the Ministry of Information and Communications.

Evaluation and ranking results are publicly announced on the Electronic Information Portal of the Ministry of Information and Communications at https://mic.gov.vn/ and the Portal of the Center for Press Digital Transformation Support at https://pdt.gov.vn/.

IV. CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF ELECTRONIC INFORMATION PORTAL OF THE CENTER FOR PRESS DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION SUPPORT

Organize the construction, maintenance and operation of the Electronic Information Portal of the Center for Press Digital Transformation Support (https://pdt.gov.vn/) to train, provide information and tools to evaluate and measure the level of press digital transformation according to the Index; to be the address for press agencies to participate in evaluating and using the Index to evaluate and measure the level of their digital transformation; Support and advise press agencies on digital transformation, etc. This electronic information portal must ensure the following minimum functions:

1. Introduce and provide information about the Index to evaluate and measure the level of press digital transformation and digital transformation activities of press agencies;

2. Provide accounts and software tools that allow relevant parties to participate and use for online assessment of the digital transformation of press agencies;

3. Store and provide information, data and figures related to assessing and measuring the level of press digital transformation to serve information queries and annual/irregular reports;

4. Provide information on activities to support press digital transformation such as: Information on training/refresher courses to raise awareness/basic and necessary skills related to press digital transformation for press agencies;

5. Provide information to support press agencies on press copyright protection, technology, telecommunications, information security, sponsorship activities (if any), etc. to promote the press digital transformation;

6. Other related functions to support press digital transformation activities;

7. Ensure information security and network security for the Electronic Information Portal of the Center for Press Digital Transformation Support.

V. TASKS AND IMPLEMENTATION SOLUTIONS

1. Communication and propaganda

a) Communication and propaganda content: Press digital transformation activities; The Index evaluates and measures the level of press digital transformation (objectives, content of the Index, benefits for press agencies, application instructions, Q&A, etc.); Electronic Information Portal of the Center for Press Digital Transformation Support (how to register, how to use the software, published information, Q&A, etc.); Activities of the Center for Press Digital Transformation Support; Honoring typical press agencies in digital transformation, press agencies achieving high rankings in digital transformation; Other content related to press digital transformation.

b) Communication and propaganda methods: Provide communication documents and publications; documents on the process of rescuing and handling cyber-attack incidents for press agencies; Regularly inform, communicate, propagate and promote on mass media, press agencies, radio, television and via the internet to raise awareness of the press community and related organizations, individuals; Build, synthesize and provide information to the press and media for propaganda and promotion; Organize communication and promotional campaigns; Provide information through the grassroot radio system; Provide information in forums, conferences, seminars, and briefings; Provide information and propaganda in other ways.

c) Organize rewards and honors for typical press agencies in digital transformation and press agencies that achieve high rankings in digital transformation annually to honor and widely publicize in the media.

d) Coordinate and strengthen control, promptly prevent and strictly handle bad, harmful and fake information about the contents of the Index in evaluating and measuring the level of digital transformation on Electronic Information Portal of the Center for Press Digital Transformation Support and Programs to support press agencies in digital transformation.

2. Organize the evaluation and apply the Index to evaluate the press digital transformation of press agencies

a) Organize training and guide press agencies to apply the Index to evaluate and measure the level of press digital transformation.

b) Guide press agencies to register accounts and use tools and software to support assessment and measurement of the press digital transformation on the Portal of the Center for Press Digital Transformation Support; Conduct annual self-assessments to monitor the level of digital transformation compared to each period and other press agency.

c) Organize consulting and support for press agencies on digital transformation strategies and plans, and annually evaluate and determine the press digital transformation.

d) Perform other tasks to support press agencies in digital transformation, evaluate and determine the level of press digital transformation.

3. Organize training and refresher courses

a) Set up documents and handbooks on press digital transformation; instructions for using the Index to evaluate and measure the level of press digital transformation; documents describing and guiding the use of software tools to assess and measure of press digital transformation on the Portal of the Center for Press Digital Transformation Support.

b) Organize training and refresher courses to raise awareness and widely inform all press agencies and each press agency about digital transformation, about the Index to evaluate and measure the level of press digital transformation.

c) Organize in-depth training programs on digital transformation appropriate to the scale, level and main operation of the press agency and training improve skills in using and exploiting effectively the results of the Index in evaluating and measuring the level of press digital transformation.

d) Train and guide press agencies to participate in programs to support press digital transformation; select and use digital platforms for digital transformation; Improve skills in using and effectively exploiting digital platforms.

e) Deploy other training courses to support press agencies in digital transformation, evaluate and determine indicators to measure the level of press digital transformation.

f) Deploy training and coaching on the process of rescuing and handling cyber-attack incidents for press agencies.

4. Organize workshops, conferences; coordinate ministries, branches, localities, associations, and relevant parties for deployment

a) Organize seminars and conferences to coordinate the Ministry of Information and Communications and ministries, provinces, agencies and associations on digital transformation, assessment indicators and level of press digital transformation.

b) Organize conferences with press agencies in each region, each sector and area; and connect industries and sectors, create opportunities to exchange, form a transformation ecosystem on press digital transformation.

c) Organize forums, seminars and conferences on press digital transformation; forums and seminars connecting consultant networks with technology businesses, digital platforms and the press community.

d) Organize seminars and conferences to launch, review and summarize the press digital transformation and announce the Index measuring the level of press digital transformation.

e) Organize connecting and coordination activities with ministries, branches, localities and relevant organizations, businesses and associations to promote the press digital transformation.

VI. IMPLEMENTATION ORGANIZATION

1. Agencies under the Ministry of Information and Communications

1.1. The Authority of Press:

a) Take charge and coordinate with relevant units to perform the tasks stated in Section IV and V; Organize and coordinate with relevant agencies and units to assess and measure of the press digital transformation;

b) Build and manage the Electronic Information Portal https://pdt.gov.vn/ of the Center for Press Digital Transformation Support (PDT) to use software to evaluate and measure the level of press digital transformation for evaluating and determining the press digital transformation of Vietnamese press agencies; Support press agencies with means and tools to self-assess their level of digital transformation; Providing index information and ranking the press digital transformation of press agencies nationwide; Support press agencies in digital transformation activities;

c) Organize research and develop an annual report summarizing assessment and measurement indicators of the press digital transformation and organize press conferences, publish and announce reports on results in measuring the level of press digital transformation;

d) Annually coordinate with relevant units to organize assessment and measurement of the level of press digital transformation;

e) Organize and coordinate with relevant units to review the content of the Index and measure the press digital transformation to submit to the Minister for consideration and decision on appropriate adjustments and supplements suitable with real conditions;

f) Research and propose activities and programs to support the press; Propose mechanisms and policies to create a legal corridor to promote the digital transformation process for press agencies.

1.2. Coordinating units:

a) The Authority of National Digital Transformation: coordinate to perform the tasks stated in Section V, Article 3, Clause d; Introduce/arrange suitable experts/personnel to join with the Authority of Press in organizing the assessment and measurement of the level of press digital transformation.

b) The Authority of Information Security: coordinate to perform the tasks stated in Section IV, Article 7, Section V, Article 1, Clause d and Section V, Article 3, Clause f; Introduce/arrange suitable experts/personnel to join the Authority of Press in organizing the assessment and measurement of the level of press digital transformation.

c) The Authority of Broadcasting, Television and Electronic Information: coordinate to perform the tasks stated in Section V, Article 1, Clause d; Introduce/arrange suitable experts/personnel to join the Authority of Press in organizing the assessment and measurement of the level of press digital transformation.

2. Press agencies:

a) Press agencies register and log into their accounts at the Electronic Information Portal of the Center for Press Digital Transformation Support (https://pdt.gov.vn/) to use the real evaluation tool software currently evaluate and measure the level of press digital transformation for the evaluated press agency.

b) Provide information and evidence to serve the assessment and measurement of the level of press digital transformation;

c) Research and propose solutions/activities/programs/content that need support from state authorities to promote the process of press digital transformation.

VII. IMPLEMENTATION FUND

Article 1. Funding for implementing activities under the annual responsibility of the Ministry of Information and Communications is guaranteed in the state budget and other legal funding sources (if any).

Article 2. This decision takes effect from its signed date. During the implementation process, if there is any problems, agencies and organizations should contact the Ministry of Information and Communications (the Authority of Press) to coordinate and resolve. The Ministry of Information and Communications periodically reviews, amends and supplements component indicators and criteria to suit the reality based on the actual summary of implementation, assessment and measurement of press digital transformation and proposals from agencies and units.

Article 3. Chief of Office, Director of the Authority of Press, Heads of agencies and units under the Ministry, press agencies and relevant agencies, units and individuals are responsible for implementing this Decision./.

INDEX TO EVALUATE AND MEASURE THE LEVEL OF PRESS DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

(Issued together with Decision No.951/QD-BTTTT dated June 2, 2023 of the Minister of Information and Communications)

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I. Structure of the Index to evaluate and measure the level of press digital transformation of press agencies

The model for evaluating and measuring the digital transformation level of press agencies is a table consisting of 42 criteria divided into 10 component indicators and grouped into 5 pillars of press digital transformation, including: (1) Strategy, (2) Digital infrastructure, digital platform and information security, (3) Organizational and professional uniformity, (4) Readers, audiences, listeners and (5) Level of digital technology application.

In each pillar, there are component indicators. In each component indicator, there are criteria (10 component indicators and 42 criteria).

1. Strategic Pillar

The Strategic Pillar includes 02 component indicators and 06 criteria, specifically:

1.1. Strategy/plan/program indicator

Including 03 criteria: The press agency has developed a strategy/plan/program for digital transformation of its agency; Clear and quantifiable goals with detailed numbers; Risk management.

1.2. Financial indicators:

Including 03 criteria: The press agency is funded by the State/ or sponsored/ or the press agency has proactively arranged funding for digital transformation; Have a financial reward policy for employees/departments with initiatives or effective implementation of digital transformation; Press agencies optimize revenue sources.

2. Digital infrastructure, digital platform and information security

The Digital Infrastructure, Digital Platform and Information Security Pillar includes 3 component indicators and 19 criteria, specifically:

2.1. Digital Infrastructure Indicator:

Including 02 criteria: Having a common data base to connect, share and exploit digital data of press agencies (video, images and audio, ...); The press agency has fiber optic broadband Internet connection.

2.2. Digital Platform Indicator:

Includes 11 criteria: Applying software to improve editing speed, produce news and articles, and easily work remotely; or operate under a converged, multimedia editorial model; or have online software applications and virtualization and cloud computing technology platforms to help reporters and editors easily process information anytime, anywhere; Distributing journalistic content on existing platforms (websites, reputable social networks and domestic digital technology platforms) or on self-built and operated platforms (websites, applications on mobile, tablet, smartTV, etc.); Applying a content management system (CMS) in the process of producing and distributing content; Having a comprehensive data analysis and processing platform focusing on the operating processes of the editorial office and other departments to optimize its operations; Applying artificial intelligence to the operating processes of the editorial office and other departments to optimize its operations; Having a comprehensive innovation of the content production system according to press digital trends: personalization/multi-platform/mobile journalism/social journalism/data journalism/creative journalism/visual journalism/super journalistic works, etc.; Having separate information channels on social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.; Applying solutions/platforms that support virtual workspaces (Skype, Zoom, etc. or other equivalent applications); Using advanced platforms to carry out marketing activities (email, SMS, push notifications, etc.); Applying online platforms with active paywalls (applying a fee model with personalized experience content, the right to choose news sources to follow, and recommending news based on personal needs); Applying technology to detect and support the prevention of journalistic copyright infringement.

2.3. Information Security Indicator:

Including 06 criteria: The press agency's server has anti-malware installed; The press agency's workstations are installed to prevent malware; 100% information systems of press agencies are approved for level proposal documents; 100% of press agencies' information systems have plans to ensure information security according to the approved level; Periodically check and evaluate information security according to regulations; Having a specialized team to ensure information security.

3. Pillar on Organizational and professional Uniformity

The pillar on organizational and professional uniformity has 02 component indicators, 07 criteria, specifically:

3.1. Organizational Consistency Indicator:

Includes 03 criteria: The head of the agency is the person who presides and directs digital transformation; Operating mechanism based on the converged newsroom model/ multimedia/ content production according to press digital trends: content personalization/ multi-platform/ mobile journalism/ social journalism/ journalism data, etc.; Having a specialized department and IT staff with appropriate professional qualifications.

3.2. Professional Consistency Indicator:

Including 04 criteria: Percentage of personnel facilitated by the press agency to participate in training courses on the converged/multimedia editorial model/content production following press digital trends: individualization, individual content optimization/multi-platform/mobile journalism/social journalism, data journalism, etc.; Percentage of personnel in the agency trained/trained/enhanced to raise awareness/basic necessary skills related to press digital transformation; Percentage of trained personnel to improve awareness and security when accessing the system and using social networking platforms; The press agency has consistent regimes and policies (no differences/disparities) for employees, regardless of working directly in the office or working remotely.

4. Readers, audiences, listeners Pillar

The Readers, Audiences, and Listeners Pillar includes 02 component indicators and 07 criteria, specifically:

4.1. Indicator on managing the experience of Readers, Audiences, and Listeners:

Includes 3 criteria: Measuring the level of experience of readers, audiences, and listeners; Analyze the experiences of readers, audiences, and listeners; Enhance the experience for readers, audiences, and listeners.

4.2. Indicator on Readers', Audiences' and Listeners' Experience:

Including 04 criteria: Level of interaction; Loyal readers, audiences, listeners; New readers, audiences, listeners; Total number of readers, spectators, listeners.

5. Pillar on digital technology application

The Pillar on digital technology application includes 01 component indicator and 03 criteria: Transfer/reception electronic document; Use electronic signatures to sign reports/ referrals remotely, etc.; Personnel with information and communication technology skills (ICT skills).

II. Levels of assessment of digital transformation of press agencies

1. Scoring scale

The total maximum rating scale of the Index on Press Digital Transformation is 100 points, divided among 5 pillars, in which the maximum score of the pillars is as follows:

1. Strategy: 18 points
2. Digital infrastructure, digital platform and information security: 24 points
3. Organizational and professional uniformity: 20 points
4. Readers, audiences, listeners: 23 points
5. Level of digital technology application: 15 points

The rating scale is shown in Table 1 below:

2. Evaluation method

Depending on the evaluation results (total score achieved for all criteria), the press agency will be ranked on the level of press digital transformation according to the following principles:

2.1. Evaluate each pillar/component indicator:

- The assessment and measurement of the level of press digital transformation of press agencies is first done according to each criterion, then calculated according to each pillar/component indicator in the Index. Each pillar/component indicator will have corresponding criteria and coefficients of the criteria presented in Table 1 of the Index, measuring the level of press digital transformation.

- The indicator of the pillars/component indicator is the corresponding score for the answer Yes or No (if Yes, the corresponding score according to the calculation method described in column (4) in Table 2 of the Index, measuring the level of press digital transformation).

- The score of a pillar/component indicator is calculated by the total score of the criteria contained in that pillar/component indicator.

2.2. Overall rating:

The digital transformation level of press agencies will be determined based on the total score achieved of the 5 pillars/component indicators and ranked as follows:

Level 1: less than 50 point - Weak

Level 2: from 50 to less than 60 point - Average

Level 3: from 60 to less than 70 point – Fairy Good

Level 4: from 70 to 80 point - Good

Level 5: over 80 point - Excellent

III. Details of the evaluating criteria and scores, measuring the level of press digital transformation of press agencies (Table 2)