Lithuanian media law reforms spark concerns over editorial independence

A proposed amendment to Lithuania’s national broadcaster law could undermine editorial freedom and increase political influence over public media, critics warned during a protest in Vilnius on Monday, LRT reports.

Hundreds gathered outside the Seimas (parliament) for the rally “Hands Off Free Speech. We Will Not Yield,” voicing opposition to changes they say threaten the independence of Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT). The reforms, currently under debate, have drawn criticism from international media watchdogs and European broadcasting authorities.

Cilla Benkö, vice president of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and director-general of Swedish public radio, told LRT’s “Dienos tema” program that the draft law risks exposing LRT to greater political pressure. “This proposal would hinder the broadcaster’s core mission: informing the public,” she said. The EBU’s executive board has urged Lithuanian authorities to withdraw the bill, citing concerns raised by the European Commission and the Venice Commission, the Council of Europe’s advisory body on constitutional law.

Pavol Szalai, head of the Baltic office for Reporters Without Borders (RSF), condemned the lack of transparency in the legislative process. “Lithuania, as an EU member and a top-ranked democracy, should strengthen—not weaken—its public broadcaster, especially amid Russia’s disinformation campaigns,” he said. RSF has written to lawmakers, arguing the bill violates the European Media Freedom Act by excluding stakeholder consultations and ignoring legal experts’ warnings.

Benkö highlighted three key issues: the frozen funding mechanism, which she called “unjustified” given LRT’s effective performance; vague grounds for dismissing the director-general, which could invite arbitrary interpretations; and the risk of government interference in editorial decisions. A proposed “public service contract” with the government—outlining tasks, metrics, and funding—could further compromise independence, she warned.

The protests follow months of public backlash, including mass demonstrations in December against earlier attempts to amend the law. Critics argue the latest revisions repeat past procedural flaws, bypassing proper expert review and public debate. The Venice Commission previously ruled that rushed changes to LRT’s governance failed to meet democratic standards.