In Lithuania, a working group consisting of members of the Seimas, media organizations, and other stakeholders has begun to review a substantial number of proposals, exceeding 150 pages, regarding the governance and financing of the national broadcaster, LRT. Among the key proposals is the establishment of a new governing board intended to enhance oversight and accountability, as well as an increase in the number of council members from twelve to fifteen. The group aims to finalize their conclusions and submit a draft to the parliament by February 14, although there is a possibility that the deadline may be extended due to the complexity of the issues involved.

The discussion arises from previous attempts by the ruling majority in the Seimas to fast-track legislative amendments that would allow greater control over the LRT's leadership. Specifically, these amendments would enable the dismissal of the general director under certain conditions, such as the rejection of the annual performance report or allegations of misconduct. The proposed mechanism would require a secret vote from seven out of twelve council members to remove the broadcaster's head, reflecting an intensified debate over the role and governance of state media in Lithuania.

These developments reflect growing tensions in Lithuania surrounding media independence and governance structures amidst concerns over proper accountability mechanisms. As the working group navigates these proposals, its decisions could have significant implications for the future trajectory of LRT, particularly concerning its autonomy and the influence of political entities in the management of public broadcasting services.