Lithuanian public broadcaster’s protest group thanks supporters after media law amendments passed

The initiative group behind protests at Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT) has issued a statement thanking the public and organisations for their support after parliament approved controversial amendments to the broadcaster’s governing law on Tuesday, LRT.lt reports.

In a message addressed to the public, the group—comprising LRT journalists and staff—acknowledged the passage of the amended law, which still requires the president’s signature. While the changes expand LRT’s administrative body, the group emphasised that wider threats to editorial independence and press freedom had been averted due to public resistance.

“We sincerely thank everyone who helped in this fight for freedom of speech: those who protested outside the Seimas [parliament] and in Cathedral Square, the Association of Professional Journalists, the cultural community, international organisations, and all others who gave their time and effort,” the statement read.

The group highlighted that proposed measures—including political control over content, restrictions on LRT’s collaboration with private media, and direct interference in journalistic work—had been debated in parliamentary committees but were ultimately blocked. However, a key demand to depoliticise LRT’s governing council by reducing the number of politically appointed members was not met.

With core principles of press freedom preserved in the law, the protest action has now ended. The group expressed hope that dialogue, rather than silence, would resolve future challenges: “We truly hope that in independent Lithuania’s life, the sound of protest silence will never again need to be heard on LRT’s airwaves.”

The amendments were approved by ruling coalition MPs and a mixed group of five independent lawmakers; the opposition abstained from the vote. Further details on the legal changes are available in LRT’s coverage.