Protests highlight threats to public media across Europe amid populist rise, citing Lithuania’s legislative battles.
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Concerns about the threat to public service media are emerging across Europe, similar to issues seen in Britain and Slovakia, often linked to the rise of populist demagogues. In Lithuania, a government coalition attempted to amend legislation governing the Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT) to facilitate leadership changes through secret voting without requiring proof of public interest. This move sparked large-scale protests, leading the opposition to force the cabinet to withdraw the proposal, though it is expected to return after the New Year. Analysts warn that Lithuania must be prepared for further challenges along paths similar to Hungary or Slovakia. While Lithuanian media generally has a good reputation, government officials claim public service media alienates the center-right opposition. The current president, Gitanas Nausėda, maintains a complex relationship with public television due to coverage of his scandals but is also criticized by protesters for being unconcerned with domestic issues while demanding veto power over controversial reforms. In contrast, Hungarian journalist György Folk describes the media landscape in Hungary as resembling North Korea despite EU funding, noting that independent journalists have utilized the internet and YouTubers to circumvent restrictions. Furthermore, a Polish journalist mentioned that after the end of the Law and Justice government, there was a purge in public media, leading some journalists to start their own channels, while others were brought into TVP who may not always be the highest quality.
