Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT) – Bias and Credibility

LEAST BIASED

These sources have minimal bias and use very few loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by appeals to emotion or stereotypes). The reporting is factual and usually sourced. These are the most credible media sources. See all Least Biased Sources.

Overall, we rate LRT as Least Biased based on minimal editorializing. We also rate them High for factual reporting due to a clean fact check record.

Detailed Report

Bias Rating: LEAST BIASED
Factual Reporting: HIGH
Country: Lithuania
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: High Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY

History

Established in 1926, Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT) is the web portal of the Lithuanian Public Broadcaster, Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT), which provides news in Lithuanian, English, and Russian languages. LRT operates three T.V. channels, radio stations, and the website, LRT.lt., which covers the latest political, economic, business, and cultural events in Lithuania. LRT’s headquarter is in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Read our profile on Lithuanian media and government.

Funded by / Ownership

According to their about page, LRT is owned by the public and is a taxpayer-funded institution. However, The Radio and Television Commission Lithuania (LRTK) regulates and supervises the activities of radio and T.V. broadcasters, and the President appoints its members. For more on Lithuanian Media, please see here. For more on funding/budget, please see here.

Analysis / Bias

In review, LRT uses emotionally loaded language in their headlines when reporting news from Lithuania, such as “Lithuania’s liberals take aim at Labour Day – again.” However, the body of the article is relatively balanced, quoting different perspectives. Regarding sourcing, hyperlinks are not used, and articles are generally sourced through quotes. Here is another article with emotionally loaded wording criticizing the government “Electricity bills are higher than rent.’ Lithuanian restaurants under energy squeeze.”

When it comes to reporting news from around Europe, LRT republishes articles utilizing credible sources such as ERR news (Estonia Public Broadcasting), RTBF (Belgian public service broadcaster), and AFP ( French news agency). When reporting U.S. news, LRT News generally uses neutral wording: “Lithuania’s Nausėda meets with U.S. President Biden in New York and “U.S. president Biden signs defense bill, authorizes $150m for Baltic security.”

Editorially, most articles and opinion pieces are relatively balanced, presenting differing perspectives. There is a slight left-leaning bias in editorials, but not enough to move this source from the Least Biased category.