On Our Radar

RTSH and LRT

23 January 2026
On Our Radar this week, we focus on Albania, where its public broadcaster is under threat of closure, and an update on Lithuania.
A rectangular concrete building bathed in sun, with the Lithuanian flag on a flagpole.
Lithuanian Parliament House in Vilnius City. Credit: Donatas Dabravolskas / Shutterstock.com

Welcome to On Our Radar, a new advocacy-driven space where we highlight developments of particular concern. Each week, we’ll flag a handful of issues affecting our members, other public service media, and media freedom that we believe demand attention, solidarity, or joint action.

Sometimes these could result in public statements or calls for information; at other times, quiet diplomacy and shows of solidarity by simply saying, “this matters, and it shouldn’t go unnoticed”. If something here resonates with your own concerns, or if there is an issue you think should be on our radar, please contact the PMA team.

On Our Radar this week…

The future of Albania’s public broadcaster, Albania Public Radio Television (RTSH), is in doubt following statements from the country’s Prime Minister, Edi Rama, calling for its closure and subsequent reform. In recent days, Rama heavily criticised RTSH’s management and functioning and said that it would not be funded “until it is deserved”. He further said that all options should be considered regarding RTSH’s future, including closure, privatisation, and partnership. Rama’s statement was met with criticism from journalist unions and experts, and rightly so. RTSH has long faced challenges, including significant debt and political capture. In fact, the debt crisis has recently been exacerbated by lawsuits stemming from the sudden firing of approximately 150 employees by the previous General Director, a former MP of Rama’s own party. While RTSH may have its challenges, these cannot be solved through its closure, and such calls demonstrate the jeopardy of the organisation’s independence. These statements not only place political pressure on the broadcaster but can undermine the democratic value and mission of public media. RTSH has long been touted as needing reform, but such reform should be driven by public accountability and public interest, and guided by a legal and regulatory framework that protects independence. Truly independent public media could play an essential role in democratising the Albanian media ecosystem, where pluralism is hindered thanks to political and business interests and a concentration of ownership. Read more on Rama’s statement in PMA’s recent Briefing.

Meanwhile, in Lithuania, we are pleased to see the European Parliament discuss the controversial proposed amendments to the law governing Lithuania’s public broadcaster, LRT. The European Commission has said it is closely monitoring the amendments and has called for any changes to LRT’s governance to align with the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA). PMA continues to urge Lithuanian lawmakers to reconsider the proposed amendments as these would erode key safeguards for LRT’s independence and financial security. Undermining a public broadcaster in one EU country can set a dangerous precedent, suggesting EMFA safeguards may be ignored elsewhere. Read more from LRT.

We will continue to monitor these issues and issue updates via our website, newsletters and social media.  

This is not an exhaustive list of our concerns. If you would like to raise other concerns, please reach out and let us know. 

PMA Advocacy Team

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