Lithuanian journalist criticises media funding and stadium costs in interview

In a new interview with public broadcaster LRT, journalist Aleksandras Nemunaitis has sharply criticised media funding practices, the management of the Rytas newspaper group, and questioned whether Lithuania’s planned national stadium will truly be affordable.

Nemunaitis described Rytas owner Nerijus Benkunskas as “insincere” in his approach to media financing, suggesting the businessman’s financial support for the outlet lacks transparency. The journalist also raised concerns about the use of public funds allocated to Rytas, implying they may not be serving their intended purpose.

Turning to infrastructure, Nemunaitis cast doubt on official claims that the proposed national stadium in Vilnius will be a low-cost project. While authorities have emphasised budget efficiency, he argued that hidden expenses or long-term financial burdens could make the stadium far more expensive than advertised.

The interview, conducted by LRT journalist Modesta Gaučaitė-Znutienė, touched on broader themes of accountability in both media and public spending, though Nemunaitis did not propose specific alternatives to the current funding models.