LRT council considers giving journalists a role in its work

Lithuania’s public broadcaster LRT is considering allowing journalists’ representatives to attend council meetings as observers, raise questions and help prepare strategy, LRT reported.

The proposal was discussed at a council meeting on Tuesday as members considered ways to improve direct communication with journalists. A council member, R. Brandišauskienė, said the council was open to formalising the arrangement in its rules, including observer rights, the ability to raise questions and possible participation in working groups.

Journalists have begun choosing their representatives, but participation in the selection process has so far been low, LRT investigative journalist Mindaugas Aušra said. He said the group could include around 10 or more representatives from different newsrooms, who could stand in for one another when needed.

The council said a cooperation procedure could be included in its rules, but journalists must first agree on how they will be represented. No final decisions have been made.

The discussion follows earlier disagreements over journalists’ access to council meetings. During one meeting, council members unexpectedly left after journalists entered the room. Tensions also arose over journalists attending a closed meeting. After that incident, a council member contacted police, who declined to open a pre-trial investigation, finding no indication of a criminal offence.