In Lithuania, discussions are underway regarding proposed changes to the governance structure of public media, specifically the Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT). A recent agreement has suggested increasing the council's membership from 12 to 15, aiming to enhance representation by non-governmental organizations. However, the majority of council appointments will still be made by politicians, including the president and parliament members. The working group positioned to finalize these revisions is expected to conclude its discussions by February 24, with legislative review planned for March.

The LRT has expressed concerns about the process, noting that a recent meeting of the working group saw a lack of participation from significant opposition and media sector representatives. This absence is underscored by the withdrawal of representatives from the Conservative 'Fatherland Union.' According to their assessment, the proposed legal amendments do not provide a clear vision for public media governance and fail to diminish the political influence on the council. This sentiment was echoed by representative Giedre Balčitiene, who criticized the proposal as disregarding the essence of the discussions that had taken place.

As these changes are contemplated, they carry implications for the autonomy and effectiveness of public media in Lithuania. The ongoing debate highlights a tension between political oversight and the need for an independent media governance model. The outcome of this process could significantly influence how public media operates in the future, particularly in terms of maintaining its independence from political pressures while seeking to improve representation within its governing bodies.