Lithuanian parliament committee to approve controversial LRT governance reforms

The Lithuanian parliament’s Culture Committee plans to approve a draft law reforming the governance of national broadcaster LRT, despite objections from the broadcaster’s administration, BNS reports.

Committee chairman Kęstutis Vilkauskas (Social Democrats) confirmed the decision would be finalised on Tuesday, allowing the bill to return to the full Seimas for debate as early as next week. The committee’s 500-page assessment follows 10 hearings and over 150 amendments from lawmakers, institutions, and civic groups.

Key changes include establishing a new supervisory board, expanding the LRT Council from 12 to 15 members, and reducing council terms from six to four years. The committee rejected a proposal to let the Tripartite Council (unions, employers, government) appoint a council member, opting instead for the National NGO Coalition. Stricter candidate requirements and a formalised selection process were also adopted.

LRT’s administration argues the reforms—particularly the added supervisory layer—threaten editorial independence and complicate governance. The broadcaster insists existing rules already prevent misuse of its frequencies by other media.

The committee upheld a contested clause allowing the LRT director to be dismissed mid-term by a two-thirds council vote, matching current rules but adding secret-ballot options. The Venice Commission had criticised earlier drafts for potentially applying new dismissal rules retroactively to the current director.

Protests by journalists and civil society, including a symbolic “bulldozer” delivered to the Seimas, have opposed the reforms as a risk to press freedom.