Lithuanian Science Council appoints Vita Akstinaitė to LRT governing board

The Lithuanian Science Council (LMT) has selected Vita Akstinaitė, professor of management sciences and pro-rector at ISM University of Management and Economics, as its representative on the governing board of Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT), the country’s public broadcaster, LRT reports.

The decision follows a public selection process evaluating candidates’ professional experience, competencies, reputation, and readiness to serve in the governance of a public media institution. Akstinaitė holds a master’s degree in organisational psychology and a PhD in business from the UK, with research focusing on modern leadership, work organisation, and the impact of technology on institutions.

Juozas Augutis, chairman of the LMT, stated that public broadcasters play a unique role in democratic societies, requiring strong governance to ensure trust, independence, and long-term development. “We believe Prof. Akstinaitė’s academic and managerial expertise will be valuable in the LRT board’s work,” he said in a statement released Thursday.

The appointment was initially scheduled for May but was delayed due to a complaint regarding the selection process. Akstinaitė replaces Darijus Beinoravičius, whose six-year term expired alongside those of three other board members: Irena Vaišvilaitė (delegated by the Lithuanian Bishops’ Conference), Jonas Staselis (Lithuanian Creators’ Association), and Eugenijus Valatka (Lithuanian Education Council).

The 12-member LRT board includes representatives appointed by the president, parliament, and four delegating organisations—each serving six-year terms. Members act independently to uphold public interest in media governance.