In a recent report, the Ombudsman for Public Media in Latvia, Edmunds Apsalons, revealed that in 2022 there were 12 instances where the public broadcaster Latvijas Sabiedriskā Medija (LSM) breached professional ethics. Over the past year, the Ombudsman received a total of 59 submissions concerning issues related to content quality and the professional conduct of LSM staff, leading to a significant increase in reported concerns compared to the previous year, with 39 reviews issued.

While the majority of opinions (27) did not find professional ethical violations, the 12 cases highlighted serious concerns regarding adherence to editorial standards at LSM. The infractions were primarily associated with key professional principles such as objectivity, accuracy, neutrality, diversity of viewpoints, and maintaining a clear distinction between facts and opinions, indicating a critical evaluation of how LSM manages its content and upholds journalistic integrity.

The findings are significant in the context of public trust in media, as public broadcasters like LSM are expected to operate under stringent ethical guidelines. The Ombudsman’s report not only points to specific violations but also stresses the importance of ongoing oversight and governance in public media, reflecting a broader trend in ensuring accountability within journalistic practices in Latvia.