Mar 12 • 10:07 UTC 🇱🇹 Lithuania 15min

LRT Administration: Changing the Law Would Make the Broadcaster Dependent, Interfering with Content

The LRT claims that proposed legislative amendments would undermine its independence and violate EU media freedom norms.

The Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT) has expressed concerns regarding proposed amendments to the law, stating that these changes do not align with the requirements of the EU Media Freedom Act nor the interpretations of the Constitutional Court. In a statement, LRT argues that the government's intention appears to be aimed at severely restricting LRT's operational capabilities, which could strip it of essential revenue streams.

LRT further highlights that the additional regulatory documents being considered by the government, including those that complicate program procurement, are part of a broader strategy to limit the broadcaster's independence. This assertion is made even though the changes are framed as being in response to recommendations from the State Audit Office, suggesting that the proposed amendments have little connection to the actual audit findings.

The implications of these changes could be significant for public media in Lithuania, as they threaten to undermine the broadcasters' autonomy and ability to generate independent content. This situation raises concerns about media freedom in the country and the potential for increased government oversight of public broadcasting, prompting calls for stronger protections for media independence.

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