B. Davidonytė: The draft law on LRT prepared by the Seimas working group is even worse than the previous one
B. Davidonytė criticizes the Seimas working group's draft law regarding LRT, stating it retains problematic provisions for director dismissal.
B. Davidonytė, a notable figure within the Lithuanian media landscape, expressed her concerns on social media regarding the recent draft law on the Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT) prepared by a working group in the Seimas. She points out that the draft law does not retract previously criticized provisions that made director dismissal easier, which were at the heart of recent protests. Despite some changes, the core issues that prompted European Parliament and Venice Commission intervention appear to remain unaddressed, raising alarms about the implications for media freedom in Lithuania.
Furthermore, Davidonytė emphasizes that the criteria for dismissing the LRT's director are not in line with European media freedom standards. Though there were suggestions to allow dismissal only for serious misconduct, these recommendations have not been integrated into the draft. The retained provision allowing for easier director dismissal could intensify political pressures on the editorial independence of LRT, which is a significant concern for advocates of media freedom in Lithuania and beyond.
The ongoing deliberations within the Seimas indicate a troubling stance towards safeguarding journalistic independence, which is crucial for a healthy democracy. With the LRT Council expressing their desire for secret voting on director dismissals, there is a palpable tension between ensuring accountability and the risk of political influence. Davidonytė's statements serve as a call to action for both lawmakers and the public to engage more critically with this draft law and the future of media governance in Lithuania.