Lithuania: controversial public broadcaster reform
In Lithuania, proposed amendments to the laws governing public broadcaster LRT have sparked major concerns about press freedom. Introduced in parliament by the right-wing populist ruling party Nemuno Aušra, the amendments aim, among other things, to ease the dismissal of LRT's Director General. Critics warn that this could weaken the broadcaster's editorial independence and facilitate political interference.
Preserve the cornerstones of democracy
The Mayor of Palanga, Šarūnas Vaitkus, warns in Kauno diena:
“The independence of LRT is in everyone's interest. Journalists raise questions that are uncomfortable for everyone – both the government and the opposition. Those who are now kicking up a fuss and seeking revenge on the media are in truth driven by a single goal: to ensure that no one dares to question their own 'truth'. Each of us today has the duty to protect the principles on which democracy rests – and not to allow fear, division, mockery or the urge to control to take precedence over respect for the state and society or to quash freedom of expression.”
Hungarian-style press freedom?
Verslo žinios sees the debate surrounding LRT as a political diversionary tactic:
“Even if there are undoubtedly critical and questionable aspects regarding the current management of LRT, the current pace of change is remarkable. ... Reforms of major national importance are not advancing anywhere near as quickly as the restructuring of LRT. This conveys the impression that chaos and discontent are deliberately being stirred up to divert attention from truly central issues, namely defence and the tense geopolitical situation in the region. So we must ask ourselves: will we wake up one day in a country like Hungary – where there is no freedom of expression and no freely accessible, independent media?”