Saulina Kochanskaitė, the editor of 'Baltų Lankų', recently marked the ten-year anniversary of the publishing house, discussing the transformative changes the book industry has undergone during that period, particularly in Lithuania and globally. She emphasizes that while traditional publishing was still dominant a decade ago, technological advancements had already begun to reshape the landscape. The rapid development of global technology not only affected how books are produced but also how they are consumed, with audiobooks and e-readers starting to gain traction.

Kochanskaitė identifies 2014 and 2015 as pivotal years for the rise of audiobooks, as advancements in smart devices and applications made the format more accessible and appealing to consumers. This shift allowed audiobooks to move from niche products to mainstream entertainment options, resonating with a broader audience. The ease of subscription services further increased their popularity, establishing audiobooks as a significant component of the reading experience, especially in recent years.

In Lithuania, the boom in audiobook popularity reflects a wider trend observed globally over the past five years. Kochanskaitė's observations underscore not only the challenges traditional publishing faces but also the opportunities that new formats present. As readers adapt to diverse ways of enjoying literature, she suggests that the publishing industry must continue to innovate to remain relevant in an ever-evolving market.