Feb 24 • 08:41 UTC 🇱🇹 Lithuania Lrytas

The opposition registered a bill on the LRT: proposing to depoliticize the broadcaster's management

The Lithuanian opposition has introduced a bill that aims to reform the management structure of the national broadcaster, LRT, by reducing the number of council members and separating governance responsibilities.

The Lithuanian opposition has taken steps to reform the governance of the national broadcaster LRT by registering a new bill that proposes significant changes to the existing management structure. Central to this proposal is the reduction of the council's membership from 12 to 11 members, along with the shortening of their terms from six years to four. This aims to create a more agile decision-making body that reflects public interest without heavy political influence. Furthermore, the bill suggests halving the number of representatives appointed by the President and Parliament, aiming for a more balanced governance structure.

In addition to reshaping the council's composition, the opposition's bill advocates for a clear division between public interest oversight and professional management of the institution. A new management board would be established, composed of five specialists from various fields such as finance, asset management, human resources, strategic management, and crisis management. This change seeks to enhance the professionalism of LRT's governance, addressing concerns raised in expert discussions and assessments by the State Audit Office, which criticized the current system for not ensuring that necessary professional competencies are intact.

This legislative move reflects ongoing discussions regarding the independence of media in Lithuania. The opposition's efforts indicate a push towards removing political ties from public broadcasting governance, fostering a more impartial institution that serves the public effectively. If enacted, these changes could significantly impact how LRT operates, promoting transparency and credibility in its management processes and potentially reshaping the role of public broadcasting in Lithuania's democratic framework.

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