Envision this. A bustling hub where stories are born. It is the headquarters of Hanoi Radio Television. Officially, it is Hanoi Radio & Television Broadcasting. It is the official radio and television network of Hanoi. Its story is deeply intertwined with the city’s modern history.
Hanoi Radio Television was established on October 14, 1954. This was just four days after the capital was liberated. A simple radio station was set up. It was at Thuy Ta Information and Exhibition House. This humble beginning laid the groundwork for the broadcasting giant we see today.
In October 1977, Hanoi Radio broadcast its first radio program on AM. It used the Me Tri National Broadcasting Station. The voice of Hanoi reached not only the city but also the northern provinces. Parts of central Vietnam also tuned in.
January 1, 1979, marked another milestone. At 14:00, the first Hanoi television program aired on Vietnam Television. It featured a new image. The familiar “Hanoi people” song played as intro music.
The City People’s Committee recognized the station’s growing importance. On August 25, 1989, it was renamed Hanoi Radio and Television Station. This acknowledged its role as the city’s audio and video media outlet.
Hanoi Television expanded its broadcasting schedule. On July 14, 1990, it gained a license to broadcast in the morning. It gradually became a key player in the national press system.
The station’s technical capabilities also advanced. On May 19, 1994, the Technical Center moved to a new headquarters. It is located at 3-5 Huynh Thuc Khang Street in Dong Da. You are standing right in front of it.
In 1997, Hanoi Radio and Television Station adopted a new identity. It unveiled the H-shaped logo. It features three double waves. The Temple of Literature symbol sits in the middle. Broadcasting hours extended from 5:30 am to midnight. The station began relaying VTV1 News at 7 pm daily from June 1.
Hanoi Radio Television continued to innovate. In July 2001, it launched a cable television service in Hanoi. In October 2002, the station launched its website, www.hanoitv.vn. Viewers could now watch programs online.
The station expanded its media offerings. In June 2004, it published the first Hanoi Television printed magazine. This further diversified its content.
Significant administrative changes occurred in 2008. Hanoi expanded to include Ha Tay province. Me Linh district and four communes in Luong Son district were also added. Hanoi Radio and Television Station merged with Ha Tay Radio and Television Station.
The Technical Transmission and Broadcasting Center opened on November 10, 2013. It houses major national broadcasters. These include Vietnam Television, Voice of Vietnam, and Hanoi Radio and Television.
Hanoi Radio Television embraced digital broadcasting. On June 15, 2016, it switched off analog terrestrial channel 2. On June 21, 2016, channel 1 began broadcasting in high definition. It became available in 16 provinces of the Red River Delta.
Channel 1 transitioned to digital TV on August 15, 2016. It used the DVB-T2 standard. On September 2, 2016, Channel 2 also switched to HD broadcasting. Both channels now broadcast HD programs.
On October 14, 2016, Hanoi Radio and Television Station celebrated its 62nd anniversary. It increased broadcast time on channel H1 to 24 hours a day. Channel H2 followed suit on January 1, 2017.
The station continued to evolve. The News Center and Technical Center were established in August 2017. The Advertising and Service Center was established on November 1, 2018. The Media Service Center was established on July 1, 2022.
Hanoi Radio Center was established on September 1, 2022. It organizes the production and distribution of audio content. The Digital Content Center followed on October 1, 2022. It produces and distributes content across platforms.
The HanoiClix application was replaced by HANOI ON on January 1, 2023. This multimedia platform offers live TV and radio. It also provides access to entertainment content.
Today, Hanoi Radio and Television operates multiple channels. It broadcasts two television channels. These are Channel 1 (H1) and Channel 2 (H2). It also operates three radio channels. These are Hanoi News and Traffic Channel, Hanoi News, and JOYFM.
Hanoi Radio Television remains a vital source of information and entertainment. It is a landmark of Hanoi’s media landscape. Its journey reflects the city’s own transformation. From humble beginnings to a modern broadcasting hub, it continues to serve the people of Hanoi.