Storm response shakes LSM editor in chief’s position

LSM reported that Latvian Public Media’s editor in chief Anita Brauna could face scrutiny after Latvian Radio broadcast news too infrequently during a recent storm. Latvian Radio News Service head Uģis Lībietis resigned on Monday at the request of LSM board member Ieva Aile and Brauna.

Colleagues at Latvian Radio defended Lībietis and called for the board’s responsibility to be assessed. The service’s editor in chief, Iveta Eniņa, called for the radio service to be strengthened.

The resignation followed a storm that left thousands of households in Latvia without electricity and later without communications. Latvian Radio was the only available source of information for many people, but news bulletins were not broadcast frequently enough.

On Friday evening, August 21, Latvian Television News Service head Iveta Elksne, who was on leave, contacted Aile after seeing the weather forecasts and the cancellation or postponement of several events planned for Saturday evening. Elksne requested authorisation to prepare special news broadcasts from Latvian Television’s main news studio if necessary, as this required additional funding.

After receiving approval, a team of Latvian Television employees was assembled to work over the weekend if needed. On Sunday morning, it became clear that the service would organise a special broadcast at midday, which would be carried by the LSM.lv portal.

Before 9 a.m., Elksne managed to contact Brauna and inform her about the planned broadcast. Elksne was the only person who managed to reach Brauna that day, as communication with her later broke down.

The SEPLP did not request the resignation of the LSM board. Aile and Brauna have said they do not plan to resign.

The SEPLP has instructed the LSM board to assess the work of the officials responsible. That assessment could take place at the beginning of next week. LSM has acknowledged shortcomings in its communication during the storm.