As a result of discussions with the National Electronic Mass Media Council (NEPLP), the Latvian Journalists Association and the Latvian Press Publishers Association, President Levits drew attention March 31 to the necessity of media support during the state of emergency.
The exceptional situation in the country has dramatically changed the economy - including the economic models on which media operate - and the daily habits of the population, but has also created challenges in the information sphere, with misinformation and unsubstantiated rumors potentially costing lives.
“The crisis cannot be overcome and society cannot act in concert if people do not have enough reliable sources of information and are subjected to increasing disinformation. The serious media in Latvia today are trying to do their job in a professional and responsible way. Journalists are not idle, but on the contrary, they are working more than ever,” said Levits.
The President urged the government to make appropriate decisions on how to support essential media as effectively as possible in their respective sectors.
As previously reported by LSM, Latvia's broadcast watchdog, the National Electronic Mass Media Council is asking the government to provide private television and radio companies with support to the tune of €1m.
