Key proposals for reforming governance of Lithuanian National Radio and Television
A working group led by the speaker of the Seimas and a parliamentary committee have proposed significant changes to how Lithuania’s public broadcaster, LRT, is governed, including stricter rules for appointing and dismissing its director general and an expanded supervisory board, news agencies BNS and ELTA report.
### Appointment and dismissal of director general
Under current law, LRT’s director general is appointed and dismissed by the broadcaster’s council through an open vote for a five-year term. A no-confidence motion requires a two-thirds majority and must be justified by public interest concerns.
The working group’s draft would allow the council to choose between open or secret ballots but cap the director’s service to two consecutive terms. Dismissal before the term ends would require a two-thirds majority and proof of either gross misconduct, violation of ethical standards, or failure to meet reputation requirements.
The Culture Committee’s revised version keeps the council’s right to choose the voting method but mandates that results—even from secret ballots—must be published within five working days. It also strengthens transparency by requiring public disclosure of selection criteria, candidate shortlists, and results. Dismissal procedures in closed sessions must be fully documented, with the director granted access to the records.
### Composition of the LRT council
Currently, the 12-member council includes appointees from the president (4), the Seimas (4, with two from opposition factions), and one each from the Lithuanian Council of Science, Lithuanian Education Council, Lithuanian Creators’ Association, and Lithuanian Bishops’ Conference. Members must hold advanced degrees, have five years of professional experience, and maintain an unblemished reputation.
The working group proposes expanding the council to 15 members by adding representatives from the Lithuanian Communities Abroad Association, the Trilateral Council (a civic dialogue platform), and the Lithuanian Disability Forum. The Culture Committee retained this expansion but did not introduce further changes.
The Seimas is expected to debate the amendments on Thursday.