Head of the Commission for Information and Education of the Central Committee, Mr Khamphanh Pheuyavong, talks to reporters about preparations for the 1st National Media Congress.

Party gears up for landmark National Media Congress

The 1st National Media Congress taking place next week is considered a historically significant event and a new milestone in the development of the Lao media.
Comprehensive preparations are being made for the congress, which is being held in Vientiane from July 13-15, with the objective of transforming the media industry and achieving new levels of quality.
Talking to reporters on Wednesday, Mr Khamphan Pheuyavong, a Politburo member of the Party Central Committee and Head of the Commission for Information and Education of the Central Committee, said the congress comes after media organisations were transferred to the Commission’s direct supervision.
“Media operations have been given greater opportunities to act as a powerful mouthpiece to circulate the guidelines and policies of the Party and State, while also working to prevent and counter the distorted views of ill-intentioned people,” Mr Khamphanh said.
According to the Resolution of the Politburo of the Central Committee No. 23, dated February 24, 2026, an overall responsible committee was appointed to oversee preparations for the congress.
Responsibilities have been divided among 4 sub-committees: the content committee, advertising-campaign unit, the security and healthcare committee, and the supporting committee (economics, personnel, and administration-protocol).
Preparations began following the 12th National Party Congress, taking a total of five months, and now all units involved are fully ready for the gathering.
Arrangements have been facilitated by the close guidance of the Politburo, the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, and high-level leadership.
At the same time, various departments and subcommittees have worked actively together across the Commission for Information and Education of the Central Committee, providing information and organising seminars.
Since this is the first conference of its kind, there have been limitations in summarising and recording data for clear comparison, as well as a relatively limited time for producing documentaries and arranging photo exhibitions at the congress.
The congress will review the implementation of various pieces of legislation, examine the organisational structure of the media and its personnel, and strengthen material and technical infrastructure and financial management so that the work of the media achieves higher standards.
Additionally, studies will be undertaken on a new Politburo resolution to replace Resolution No. 36, which has been in effect since 1993.
In addition to this assessment, the congress will feature capacity-building training for media personnel. This will be centred around three important topics: enhancing the Party’s leading role in media operations, raising the standard of media ethics, and deepening understanding of legislation related to the work of the media.
The main goal is to improve quality and comprehensively develop the media, encouraging personnel to focus on reality, education, guidance, and combativeness.
At the same time, the guiding ideas of the Party Secretary General will be put into practice. These reflect the following sentiment: “A reporter is someone who speaks with light, who pierces the heart, who provokes strong feelings in the reader, who dares to overcome obstacles, who loves the truth, and who hits the target with their words.”
In conclusion, a call was made to media personnel across the country to  maintain the fine traditions of the media, strive for more success, serve as a powerful mouthpiece for the Party, respect the law, and strictly adhere to professional ethics, so that the media develops along the right lines and follows a positive and fruitful path.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update July 9, 2026)