A working group in Lithuania is discussing proposals for changes in the governance of the national broadcaster LRT, including the establishment of a management board and increased membership.
In Lithuania, a working group has been formed to address governance issues related to the national broadcaster, LRT. The discussions have led to an agreement on establishing a new management organ, a board, which will increase the number of members from 12 to 15. Additionally, a support office for the board is to be established. These changes aim to enhance the structure and accountability of the public broadcaster, following the government's previous attempt to swiftly enact governance reforms that were not approved by the Seimas.
One significant focus of the proposals includes adjusting the terms of the LRT General Director, with suggestions to limit the number of terms served. The decision-making threshold for the removal of the director, set at two-thirds of the votes, is proposed to remain unchanged. However, debates have arisen over how the broadcaster's mission should be legally defined and the extent to which representatives from other media outlets should participate in creating LRT content.
The working group faces a deadline to finalize the amendments to the LRT law by February 24. These discussions are critical as they follow a failed attempt by the ruling party in the Seimas to pass urgent legislative changes, demonstrating ongoing tensions around the governance of state media in Lithuania and the balance of media freedom and accountability.
