A work group in Lithuania has defined the mission of LRT, emphasizing the importance of reliable information and cultural preservation, while ensuring independence from political influences.
In Lithuania, a work group has recently set forth a new mission statement for LRT, the national public broadcaster, aimed at ensuring the public's right to reliable, objective, and diverse information. The group's proposed mission includes facilitating free public discussion and contributing to the preservation and development of the Lithuanian language and national culture, with a commitment to making content accessible across various regions and demographics.
During the meeting where this mission was defined, a significant portion of the opposition and some media representatives were absent, indicating potential political tensions surrounding the issue. The mission statement emphasizes that LRT should operate independently, free from political and other external influences on both its content and editorial decisions. This reflects a broader concern for media independence in the backdrop of potential government intervention in public broadcasting.
The proposal also includes a suggestion for the LRT board to be in place by 2028, allowing time for the implementation of the new mission. The focus on independence, accessibility, and objectivity in public information could reshape the landscape of Lithuanian media, highlighting the ongoing discourse on media freedom and the role of public broadcasting in democratic societies.
