Romo Sakadolskis forum examines LRT, AI and journalism’s challenges

The sixth annual Romo Sakadolskis Journalism Forum took place at the MO Museum in Vilnius on September 18, bringing together journalists, experts, academics and public figures to discuss media trends and the future of quality, responsible and ethical journalism in Lithuania, LRT reported.

The forum opened with remarks by Emilija Sakadolskienė, the wife of Romo Sakadolskis, who said the event’s participants showed that his belief in free, responsible and courageous journalism remained relevant.

“Romas always stressed that a journalist’s goal is to keep searching for the truth, even when it is not easy to reach. Today we are talking about journalism as a tool for public safety and resilience, while facing the threats posed by artificial intelligence, disinformation and audience polarisation,” she said.

She added that, although the topics had changed, one principle remained the same: journalists could not be mere observers but had to be honest seekers of truth serving the public.

Journalists must not become flatterers

Rolandas Barysas, editor-in-chief of the Verslo žinios newspaper, spoke about what had changed in journalism over the years.

“What has remained is responsibility, our duty to society and the need for honest journalists. I would wish everyone to remain that way, because such people will be needed increasingly more,” he said.

Barysas said the media would endure because someone had to check facts and help people make sense of events.

“Artificial intelligence is a flatterer, but we are not flatterers. Let us not become flatterers, let us tell the truth, and we will always be needed,” he said.

Social cohesion was the main lesson

The first discussion, titled “What did the struggle over LRT teach us?”, brought together Rita Miliūtė of the Lithuanian Journalists’ Association, Tomas Balžekas of 15min and Andrius Vaišnys, a VU professor. Edmundas Jakilaitis moderated the discussion.

Opening the session, Jakilaitis said the issue involved many different interests and perspectives. He said he was most interested in the moment of social cohesion that had brought together large numbers of civic-minded people, not only in Vilnius.

Balžekas agreed, saying the most positive aspect of the protests was that civil society had shown it could act.

“It was wonderful to see people take to the streets and refuse to accept what was happening,” the businessman said.

However, the participants agreed that the possible future scenario was not particularly optimistic.

Vaišnys said social groups needed to draw their own conclusions. He said the protests had brought people together in response to developments around the world, including a younger generation that was able to organise itself.

“The cohesion of society is an important sign that has been heard. But the lesson is not over. Social cohesion is an important signal, but we need a continuous and strong dialogue, which is currently lacking,” he said.

Miliūtė said there would be no quick and successful solution for Lithuania, LRT or other media outlets. She nevertheless pointed to a positive aspect of the situation.

“The rallies, attended by tens of thousands of people, showed that society had come together and supported journalists. We asked for help and received it. This showed both journalists and society that we cannot achieve our goal without each other and that we are important and needed by one another,” she said.

Miliūtė added that the events had also shown that cooperation with politicians could be productive. The third lesson, she said, was that people must not stop monitoring developments.