The use of loudspeakers began early on in the Vietnam War. North and South Vietnamese used to have audios on loudspeaker propaganda to reduce the morale of the enemy.
In the time of war, North Vietnam utilized loudspeakers to convey warnings to the locals about possible bombings. In those times, when the war was at its peak, the role of loudspeakers was very beneficial.
The war ended but the loudspeakers were still being used quite widely for public announcements for more than three decades. The daily 6.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. broadcasts often covered topics such as Communist Party municipal committee meetings, avian flu prevention, vitamin regimens, sanitation and reminders to vaccinate against rabies. Elderly people relied on the loudspeakers for word on when they can collect their pensions. Sometimes, the system broadcasted patriotic songs.
These days, the broadcasts have become background noise and people just do not hear them anymore. No one pays much attention to it.
The tourists, as well as the local residents, are quite annoyed due to the usage of these outdated loudspeakers. This is such an experience that tourists rarely find in their countries. Hanoians have lobbied to get the broadcasts turned down or to scrap the old technology.
Through the internet, we can use “smart device” to send broadcasts. Amidst such a situation, Hanoi has taken a positive step. By end of 2018, Hanoi authority only used loudspeakers to announce alerts in case of emergencies or upon requests of the municipal or central governments.
Meanwhile, other urban districts retain 5 to 10 sets of no more than two loudspeakers in each ward to make announcements for natural disasters and other important declarations. The broadcasts reduced to five days a week, and the speakers relocated away from schools, hospitals, diplomatic quarters, senior citizens’ residential areas, and foreigners’ quarters.
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