„My job (…) is to ensure that all institutions, organisations or entire sectors operating under the remit of our ministry function as sustainably as possible; the same principle will apply when seeking a new funding mechanism for LRT. (…) We will hold discussions, and I am confident that, together with all the social partners who need to be involved in this process, we will find the best solution that best meets the needs of the public broadcaster,“ the culture minister told LRT television on Tuesday.
„Yes. (…) I give my word,“ he added, when asked whether LRT would be protected from political decisions regarding funding.
According to the minister, the new LRT funding mechanism will need to be coordinated with the European Union (EU), a lengthy process.
Alsys states that the government gave the Ministry of Culture the mandate to create a new funding model for the public broadcaster.
The public broadcaster’s administration has told ELTA that the most important thing is for the new funding model to be sustainable and independent of political decisions.
The prime minister has said that, in future, growth in the public broadcaster’s budget could be linked to the country’s economic growth rather than to excise duty revenue.
As reported by ELTA, last November the Seimas approved an initiative by the Nemuno Aušra and the Lithuanian Peasants’, Greens and Christian Families’ Union (LVŽKŠS) parliamentary groups to freeze LRT’s funding.
Under the adopted amendments, the public broadcaster will receive around EUR 80 million annually for three years.
The amendments also stipulate that, from 2029 onwards, 0.75 per cent of personal income tax (GPM) revenue and 0.8 per cent of excise duty revenue will be allocated to LRT funding.