Lithuanian journalists protest 'threats' to public broadcaster's independence
Summary
Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT journalists are protesting changes to financing and management that threaten editorial independence. Amendments allow easier dismissal of LRT management and freeze budgets, prompting concerns over politicization and parallels to 'Orbanisation.'
Key Points
- Lithuanian journalists from LRT protest changes to financing and management practices threatening editorial independence.
- Parliament approved amendments allowing broadcaster's council to dismiss its director with a simple majority instead of two-thirds.
- Budget freeze from 2026 to 2028 keeps funding at 2025 levels, reducing expected income for LRT.
- Concerns voiced by LRT staff and international bodies about politicization and violation of media freedom laws, with parallels drawn to Hungary and other countries.
- A protest is planned outside Lithuanian Parliament on December 9.
