Conditions for granting licenses to operate electronic press

Article overview

A license to operate electronic press is considered an important “passport” for a press agency to operate legally. Not only that, this license is also a testament to the professionalism and reputation of the press agency and is also an important competitive factor in the modern press industry. Following the following article, Long Phan will provide customers with the necessary information about the conditions and licensing process.

Procedure for granting electronic press operation license
Procedure for granting electronic press operation license

Content of electronic press activities

Pursuant to Clause 6, Article 3 of the Law on  Press 2016, electronic journalism is defined as a type of journalism that uses writing, images, and sounds, transmitted on the network environment. Electronic newspapers include electronic newspapers and electronic magazines.

Electronic journalism activities require a combination of quality content and modern technology. Electronic press organizations need to ensure the provision of accurate, timely and diverse information. They must comply with regulations on copyright protection, respect for privacy and comply with journalistic ethics.

Electronic press content must honestly reflect social life, contribute to shaping public opinion and educate and raise people’s knowledge. Electronic press agencies need to build content strategies consistent with their principles, operational purposes and target audience.

Conditions for being granted a License to operate electronic press

To be granted a License to operate electronic press, organizations need to meet the following conditions:

  • Determining the type of journalism: Principles and purposes must be consistent with the functions of the governing agency, target audience, program, time, transmission method (for audio and video newspapers) and name domain, where the server is located (for electronic newspapers).
  • Personnel: Have an organizational and personnel plan to ensure operations, including qualified people according to regulations to hold leadership positions.
  • Name and form: Have a clear name and form for press agencies, publications, radio and television channels and specialized pages of electronic newspapers.
  • Facilities: Has headquarters, physical facilities, financial plans and solutions to ensure information security. For electronic newspapers, at least one “.vn” domain name and server located in Vietnam are required; The newspaper said that there must be a plan to rent transmission infrastructure.
  • It must be consistent with the planning for the development of press, radio, television and electronic information facilities approved by the Prime Minister.

CSPL: Article 17 of the Law on Press 2016 (amended by Clause 4, Article 20 of the Law amending and supplementing a number of articles of 37 Laws related to 2018 planning).

Regulatory requirements to be granted an Operating License
Regulatory requirements to be granted an Operating License

Process of License to operate electronic press

Prepared documents

According to Article 10 of Circular 41/2020/TT-BTTTT. When carrying out procedures for applying for an electronic press operation license. Organizations need to fully prepare the following types of documents:

  • Application form for a license to operate an electronic newspaper Model number 06.
  • The electronic newspaper operation plan must be signed by a competent person and stamped or digitally signed by the agency or organization requesting the license. The project must fully present the conditions specified in Article 17 of the Press Law.
  • The expected list of employees of the electronic newspaper follows Model number 03.
  • The Curriculum vitae of the person expected to be the Editor-in-Chief follows Model number 04.
  • The template presents the home page interface of the electronic newspaper and specialized pages, certified by the agency or organization requesting the license.

Implementation steps

The process for granting an electronic press operation license according to Article 10 of Circular 41/2020/TT-BTTTT is as follows:

Step 1: Agencies and organizations submit 01 sets of documents to the Ministry of Information and Communications.

Step 2: Within 15 days from the date of receipt of the application, the licensing agency checks the validity of the application.

  • If the dossier is not valid, the licensing agency will notify the agency or organization submitting the dossier in writing for supplementation and completion.
  • Within 90 days from the date of receipt of complete and valid documents, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall issue a license to operate an electronic newspaper.
  • In case of refusal, the Ministry of Information and Communications will notify in writing and clearly state the reason.

Fees

Regarding fees, there are currently no regulations on fees for issuing licenses to operate electronic press activities.

Steps to apply for an Operating License
Steps to apply for an Operating License

Consulting and support services for granting electronic press operation licenses in Long Phan

With a team of experts with many years of experience, Long Phan will support customers in the procedures for applying for an electronic press license effectively and quickly. Long Phan’s services include:

  • Provide information and guidance on legal regulations related to electronic press activities.
  • Support customers in preparing and drafting necessary documents to submit licensing applications.
  • Check and evaluate necessary conditions to ensure documents meet the requirements of authorities.
  • Support customers in submitting applications and working with competent authorities.
  • Support customers in tracking licensing progress.
  • Resolve arising issues related to licensing and press activities after the license is granted.
  • Provide consulting services on maintaining legal operations and renewing licenses when necessary.

An electronic press license not only facilitates development in the field of digital media but also affirms the reputation and responsibility of businesses in providing accurate information. To receive dedicated support in the process of preparing documents and carrying out licensing procedures, please contact Long Phan via hotline 0906735386. Our team of experts will provide detailed advice, helping you quickly own a legal license and develop your journalism activities effectively.