The media landscape is dominated by the public broadcaster LRT, the TV3 Group – which includes nine TV channels, three radio stations and many smaller media outlets – and the LNK Group, which owns five TV channels. The many online media, some of which focus on investigative journalism, capture a growing share of the audience among younger audiences. 

Although relations between the government and journalists have been marked by tensions, which increase with every new crisis – whether economic, social or health-related – political attacks on journalists are rare. However, media outlets are often faced with refusals to provide state-held information without explanation. Media regulatory and monitoring bodies have historically operated with relative freedom from political influence, but recent proposed changes to the law on public broadcasting have raised serious concerns about increased political pressure on LRT and the weakening of safeguards protecting its independence.

The legal framework lacks clarity and does not always ensure the protection of journalists’ rights. Ethical issues are subject to self-regulation, under the supervision of an association mandated by the courts, a system that some call into question. Courts sometimes prioritise the protection of personal data over freedom of the press. In 2022, Parliament approved legislation that could potentially protect journalists against SLAPPs.

Local journalism has been crippled by a systematic lack of funding, but the funding model for local media has recently been revamped. Moreover, the reduction of funding for the Media Support Fund risks having a negative impact on regional and other vulnerable media outlets and undermining media pluralism.

Journalists are respected by society, except for certain conspiracy theory groups. This was clearly demonstrated when thousands of people took part in protests in support of LRT and free media. Although there are no systematic attempts to censor quality journalism, journalists struggle with self-censorship when reporting on certain historical or gender issues.

In 2021, verbal attacks against reporters during protests against Covid-19 restrictions came as a shock to a country where journalists usually face no threats to their physical security.