Lithuanian national broadcaster’s board to review journalists’ silent protests

Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT) will examine journalists’ use of silent pauses during broadcasts as a form of protest, with the board set to address the issue at an extraordinary meeting next week, BNS reports.

Board chairman Mindaugas Jurkynas confirmed on Wednesday that the April 9 agenda includes two key items: the selection of a new internal audit head and a discussion on how management assesses the silent protests. “There are no plans for any prohibitions—this is purely about gathering information and discussion, not decision-making,” Jurkynas stated.

He declined to specify which board members proposed the review or to share his personal stance, emphasizing his role as a facilitator of the board’s collective position. “I see no purpose in stating my personal opinion,” he said.

The board had previously urged journalists to avoid using airtime for silent protests, arguing that such actions fall outside LRT’s mission and set a “dangerous precedent.” While affirming journalists’ right to protest, the board discouraged using LRT resources for demonstrations.

The protests come amid proposed legal amendments to LRT’s governance, including the creation of a new governing body, expanding the board from 12 to 15 members, and tightening rules for dismissing the director-general. Critics, including journalists and legal experts, warn the changes risk politicizing the broadcaster and narrowing its constitutional mandate.

Parliament is scheduled to debate the amendments on April 7, while journalists plan further protest action the following day. The Culture Committee has pledged to review academic input but has not committed to awaiting a new assessment from the Venice Commission.