https://eng.lsm.lv/ eng.lsm.lv en https://eng.lsm.lv//assets/logo/lsm_hi.png https://eng.lsm.lv/ https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/07.07.2026-public-media-ombudsman-defends-editorial-right-to-choose-news-coverage.a654130/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 07 Jul 2026 08:44:00 GMT 654130 Latvia's public media Ombudsman, representing the Public Electronic Media Council (SEPLP) has issued an opinion defending the editorial right to not cover something that someone else thinks should be covered – an important principle of a free press, and one of the things that marks the difference between news and marketing. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/06.07.2026-lsm-announces-compromise-after-rebranding-backlash.a654013/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 06 Jul 2026 10:40:51 GMT 654013 The board of Latvian Public Media (LSM) and representatives of the workforce have agreed on a compromise on the issue of LSM brand development, after previous announcements about the new branding effort sparked a strong backlash. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/17.06.2026-many-employees-unhappy-with-lsm-rebranding-effort.a651961/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 17 Jun 2026 20:50:00 GMT 651961 More than 200 employees of Latvian Public Media (Latvijas Sabiedriskais medijs/LSM) are asking the board to retain the long-established brands "Latvijas Televīzija" (Latvian Television) and "Latvijas Radio" (Latvian Radio) rather than rolling everything into a unified 'LSM' brand in future as is currently planned. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/05.06.2026-new-latvian-media-watchdog-head-confirmed.a650236/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 05 Jun 2026 06:27:04 GMT 650236 With the Saeima’s approval of the dismissal of National Electronic Media Council (NEPLP) Chair Ivars Āboliņš from his position as a council member, Aurēlija Ieva Druviete was elected as the new NEPLP Chair, the council told the LETA news agency on June 4. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/04.06.2026-lsm-gets-new-visual-identity.a650034/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 04 Jun 2026 05:23:00 GMT 650034 Latvian Public Media (LSM) is gradually introducing a unified brand and visual identity, as you have likely noticed at the top of our page. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/01.06.2026-latvian-media-watchdog-head-steps-down-and-enters-politics.a649537/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 01 Jun 2026 08:39:13 GMT 649537 Ivars Āboliņš, chairman of the Latvian media watchdog National Electronic Mass Media Council (NEPLP), will step down from his position at NEPLP and become Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry of Culture (KM), he announced on social media. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/30.04.2026-latvia-slips-down-international-press-freedom-rankings-again.a645216/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:24:00 GMT 645216 Latvia has slipped to 17th place out of 180 countries and territories in the World Press Freedom Index 2026, compared to 15th place in 2025, according to the annual ranking published on Thursday by the international organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF).  https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/28.04.2026-latvias-journalist-protection-legislation-praised-in-media-freedom-report.a644842/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:48:00 GMT 644842 Legislative moves in Latvia to protect journalists going about their work have won praise from European civil rights group the Civil Liberties Union for Europe ('Liberties'). https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/07.04.2026-police-internet-taking-over-from-tv-to-access-illegal-channels.a641861/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 07 Apr 2026 07:25:16 GMT 641861 People who access illegal television channels in their homes can be issued a warning or, in theory, fined up to 700 euros for installing or using illegal systems. Amendments to the law were introduced four years ago with the aim of protecting Latvia's information space.  https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/02.04.2026-latvias-radio-and-television-tower-to-be-renovated.a641538/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:02:04 GMT 641538 The Rīga Radio and Television Tower on Zaķusala could in the future feature viewing platforms, event spaces, and activities for the general public. The interior design competition was won by the architectural firm “Vincents.” The renovation is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2029. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/31.03.2026-lsm-can-use-russian-for-counter-propaganda-purposes-says-judge.a641153/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 31 Mar 2026 07:25:00 GMT 641153 The Russian language can be used by Latvian Public Media (LSM) essentially for the purpose of refuting propaganda and disinformation, the President of the Constitutional Court (Satversmes Tiesa/ST) Irēna Kucina told the Latvian Television program "Rīta Panorāma" ("Morning Panorama") on March 31st. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/30.03.2026-public-media-has-right-not-duty-to-write-in-russian-says-constitutional-court.a641030/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 30 Mar 2026 11:05:00 GMT 641030 The Constitutional Court ruled on Monday, March 30th, that the regulations governing the production of content in minority languages by Latvian Public Media (LSM) are unconstitutional – however, it stopped short of providing any detailed recommendations on how to restore the "balance" which it said has been lost. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/27.03.2026-former-latvian-radio-4-frequency-in-high-demand.a640686/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 27 Mar 2026 06:24:39 GMT 640686 Latvian Radio 4 (LR4) service in the Russian language ceased operations at the end of last year. Currently, the National Electronic Mass Media Council (NEPLP) has announced a tender for broadcasting rights in the Latvian language on the former LR4 Riga 107.7 MHz frequency, and interest is very high, Latvian Radio reported on 27th March. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/24.03.2026-european-radio-professionals-gather-in-riga-to-discuss-future-trends.a640135/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 24 Mar 2026 06:17:55 GMT 640135 Rīga has become the European capital of audio and public radio for three days, hosting media professionals from 65 countries for the first time at a large conference. The "Radiodays Europe" conference is taking place in Riga for the first time and it is considered a very important event in the industry. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/05.03.2026-does-anything-need-to-be-done-about-belarusian-radio-broadcasts-along-latvias-border.a637479/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 05 Mar 2026 08:27:30 GMT 637479 One of the consequences of shutting down the Latvian Radio 4 Russian-language channel formerly operated by Latvian Public Media (LSM) appears to be that in parts of Latvia it has been replaced by Belarusian state media. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/26.02.2026-lsm-opens-latgale-editorial-office.a636445/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 26 Feb 2026 06:51:00 GMT 636445 On Thursday, February 26th, Latvian Public Media (LSM) will open its first regional editorial office – LSM Latgale Editorial Office. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/24.02.2026-lsm-ukrainian-service-marks-four-years-of-war.a636075/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 24 Feb 2026 06:41:00 GMT 636075 For those that don't know, Latvian Public Media (LSM) also provides a news and information service in the Ukrainian language. Therefore, anyone wanting to read experiences direct from Ukrainians themselves might like to pay ukr.lsm.lv a visit and see the wide range of articles they have marking four years since Russia's illegal full-scale invasion. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/09.02.2026-public-media-official-russian-language-content-wont-be-around-forever.a633831/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:41:00 GMT 633831 Latvian Public Media (LSM) will likely not have Russian-language content for many more years, according to Sanita Upleja-Jegermane, the chairwoman of the Public Electronic Media Council (SEPLP) – the public media watchdog – speaking on the Latvian Radio program "Krustpunktā" (At the Crossroads) on February 9th. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/09.02.2026-survey-suggests-public-media-are-important-in-a-crisis-situation.a633776/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 09 Feb 2026 11:49:00 GMT 633776 Latvian society is very interested in the economic situation in Latvia, but the performance of the Latvian Public Media (LSM) on this topic is assessed more critically this year than a year ago, according to the results of a population survey carried out by the Norstat polling agency. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/14.01.2026-russian-language-radio-should-be-left-to-wither-away-in-latvia-says-senior-official.a629973/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 14 Jan 2026 14:54:00 GMT 629973 The broadcasting of Russian-language radio stations in Latvia should be gradually discontinued, said Ivars Āboliņš, Chairman of the National Electronic Mass Media Council (NEPLP), on the Latvian Radio program "Krustpunktā" (At the Crossroads) on January 14th. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/13.01.2026-hockey-topped-the-2025-tv-viewing-charts-in-latvia.a629741/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 13 Jan 2026 10:32:00 GMT 629741 The most-watched televisual broadcast of 2025 was the world championship ice hockey match between Latvia and Slovakia on LTV1, according to viewing data published on January 13th by the Kantar research agency. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/18.12.2025-latvian-public-media-council-member-appointed.a626986/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 18 Dec 2025 09:28:45 GMT 626986 On Thursday, December 18th, the Saeima approved the appointment of social sciences researcher Andris Saulītis to the position of member of the Public Electronic Mass Media Council (SEPLP). Saulītis was the third candidate voted on by the Saeima for the vacant position on the council. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/09.12.2025-crowd-gathers-in-vilnius-to-support-public-broadcaster-lrt.a625646/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 09 Dec 2025 10:14:44 GMT 625646 Employees of the Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT – the equivalent of Latvia's LSM – journalists and representatives of other media outlets gathered in Vilnius today to protest against government plans that they say would negatively influence the media's work and press freedom. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/08.12.2025-another-candidate-for-latvian-public-media-council-put-forward.a625457/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 08 Dec 2025 08:49:41 GMT 625457 On Monday, the Council for the Implementation of the Memorandum of Cooperation between Non-Governmental Organisations and the Cabinet of Ministers decided to nominate Andris Saulītis to the Public Electronic Media Council (SEPLP), LSM.lv reports. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/03.12.2025-lithuanian-public-media-seeks-support-from-colleagues-in-other-countries.a624869/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 03 Dec 2025 10:22:46 GMT 624869 Journalists in Lithuania began a protest this week, saying that attempts to undermine the independence of the public broadcaster, LRT (Lietuvos nacionalinis radijas ir televizija / Lithuanian National Radio and Television), pose a threat to free media in Latvia's southern neighbour. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/01.12.2025-legendary-latvian-american-journalist-passes-away.a624502/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 01 Dec 2025 09:59:00 GMT 624502 Knuts Ozols, longtime Latvian editor-in-chief and journalist for the broadcaster Voice of America, passed away on November 30th at the age of 81, his relatives reported. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/26.11.2025-russian-language-media-will-remain-in-latvia-despite-radio-channel-switch-off-says-regulator.a623841/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 26 Nov 2025 11:23:16 GMT 623841 Āboliņš called the termination of LR4's operations one of the most important changes in the Latvian electronic media environment, because "public money will no longer be used to pay for content in Russian."  https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/13.11.2025-saeima-rejects-public-media-regulator-candidate.a622399/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 13 Nov 2025 13:37:00 GMT 622399 The majority of Saeima deputies on Thursday, November 13, did not support the candidacy of Jānis Siksnis for the position of member of the Public Electronic Mass Media Council (SEPLP), Latvia's public media regulator. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/11.11.2025-farm-propaganda-pic-turns-out-to-be-pig-ignorant.a622029/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 11 Nov 2025 11:59:00 GMT 622029 In recent weeks, messages have been spreading on social media platforms about how supposedly good life was in Latvia during the Soviet era and how bad it is now, in the European Union. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/04.11.2025-saeima-committee-declines-to-back-public-media-watchdog-candidate.a621072/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 04 Nov 2025 11:44:00 GMT 621072 The Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee on Tuesday, November 4th, did not support the candidacy of Jānis Siksnis for the position of member of the Public Electronic Mass Media Council (SEPLP) – essentially the public media regulator. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/31.10.2025-latvian-radio-has-a-weekend-of-centenary-celebrations-to-broadcast.a620556/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 31 Oct 2025 07:44:00 GMT 620556 All this year, Latvian Radio (Latvijas Radio) has been marking the centenary of its establishment in 1925 and the cycle of celebrations reaches something of a crescendo this weekend. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/27.10.2025-stamp-celebrates-100-years-of-latvian-radio.a619969/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 27 Oct 2025 11:36:59 GMT 619969 To celebrate the 100th birthday of Latvian Radio, Latvijas Pasts will issue a stamp dedicated to the event on Thursday, 30 October. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/15.10.2025-latvian-television-wants-your-freedom-monument-stories.a618424/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 15 Oct 2025 07:03:06 GMT 618424 This year, 18 November will mark 90 years since the unveiling of the Freedom Monument. Latvian Television invites everyone to share their own story of the Freedom Monument. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/08.10.2025-latvian-government-approves-media-action-plan.a617493/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 08 Oct 2025 08:06:48 GMT 617493 An Action Plan for the Implementation of the Media Policy Guidelines for 2025-2027 was approved by the Latvian government at its cabinet meeting on October 7th. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/21.08.2025-latvian-media-watchdog-appeals-against-court-overturning-tv-rain-license-ban.a611177/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 21 Aug 2025 06:20:00 GMT 611177 The National Electronic Mass Media Council (NEPLP) has filed a cassation appeal against the judgment of the Administrative Regional Court, by which it found illegal the decision of the NEPLP to cancel the licence of the independent Russian TV channel "Dozhdj" or "TV Rain", the court said on 21 August. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/18.08.2025-lsm-launches-public-media-charity-drive-for-ukraine.a610721/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 18 Aug 2025 06:18:00 GMT 610721 To celebrate Ukraine Independence Day on 24 August, Latvian Public Service Media (LSM) in cooperation with "Ziedot.lv" from Monday, 18 August, until 3 September is hosting the support campaign "In thoughts and deeds together with Ukraine!". https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/05.08.2025-fake-stories-and-fraud-are-flourishing-on-fact-check-free-latvian-facebook.a609253/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 05 Aug 2025 08:28:00 GMT 609253 Fake ads posing as news stories that deceive users by imitating Latvian media outlets continue to spread on the Facebook platform. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/05.08.2025-head-of-latvian-public-media-watchdog-elected.a609227/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 05 Aug 2025 05:30:00 GMT 609227 Starting a new phase of its activities, the Public Electronic Mass Media Council (SEPLP), which acts as the supervisor of Latvian public media, on Monday, 4 August, elected Council member Sanita Upleja-Jegermane as chairperson for one year, the Council said. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/24.07.2025-latvian-radio-show-broadcasts-all-the-latest-mushroom-news.a607924/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 24 Jul 2025 08:27:00 GMT 607924 The Latvian mania for mushrooming is well documented, and therefore it should come as no surprise that the national obsession also has a dedicated show on Latvian Radio 6 (Radio NABA) dedicated entirely to matters mycological. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/16.07.2025-latvian-public-media-reorganisation-will-likely-lead-to-job-losses.a606993/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 16 Jul 2025 10:01:00 GMT 606993 It is currently unclear how many Latvijas Radio 4 (LR4) and LSM+ employees could lose their jobs, but it is likely that not all of them will continue to work in the media, according to Baiba Zūzena, the Chairperson of the Board of Latvian Public Media, in an interview on the Latvian Radio programme "Labrīt" on July 16th. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/16.07.2025-court-overturns-decision-to-ban-tv-rain-in-latvia.a606973/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 16 Jul 2025 08:28:00 GMT 606973 The Administrative Regional Court has annulled the decision of the National Electronic Mass Media Council (NEPLP) to cancel the licence of the Russian independent TV channel ‘Dozhdj’ or ‘TV Rain’ operating in exile, the LETA news agency reports on 16 July. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/15.07.2025-latvian-public-media-announces-big-changes-to-russian-language-provision.a606865/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 15 Jul 2025 12:17:24 GMT 606865 The board of Latvian Public Media (LSM) has developed its strategic priorities for 2026–2029, which, among other things, stipulate that content in foreign languages – English, Russian, and Ukrainian – will henceforth be created and distributed only in the digital environment, meaning among other things that Russian-language terrestrial radio (Latvijas Radio 4) and television broadcasts will cease at the end of the year. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/19.06.2025-two-members-of-public-media-supervisor-appointed.a603950/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 19 Jun 2025 11:27:00 GMT 603950 On Thursday, 19 June, the Saeima approved the current council member Sanita Upleja-Jegermane and former Latvian Radio director Una Klapkalne, as members of the Public Electronic Mass Media Council (SEPLP). https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/23.05.2025-latvian-european-journalist-unions-concerned-about-anti-graft-cops-interference.a600219/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 23 May 2025 07:06:28 GMT 600219 The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) has joined the Latvian Journalists' Association (LŽA) in expressing concern about questions posed to the media by the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB), demanding clarification of editorial decisions, the EFJ said in a statement on 22 May. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/22.05.2025-latvian-radios-journalism-recognised-internationally.a600072/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 22 May 2025 08:02:00 GMT 600072 The high quality of journalism and the editorial independence exhibited by Latvian Radio has resulted in the organisation receiving a Journalism Trustworthiness Initiative (JTI) certificate from the international non-governmental organisation Reporters Without Borders (also known by its original French name Reporters Sans Frontieres or RSF). https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/21.05.2025-latvian-journalist-association-unhappy-with-corruption-cops-requests-to-explain-content.a599893/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 21 May 2025 07:43:29 GMT 599893 The Latvian Journalists' Association (LŽA) has sent a letter to the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) regarding its increased interest in the mass media during the pre-election campaign, Latvian Television reports on 20 May. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/06.05.2025-latvia-slips-slightly-in-world-press-freedom-index.a597798/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 06 May 2025 06:59:00 GMT 597798 Latvia's ranking in the World Press Freedom Index fell slightly in 2025, but it remains solidly within the top twenty countries globally, according to the latest index produced by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/30.04.2025-anita-brauna-appointed-chief-of-latvian-public-media.a597372/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 30 Apr 2025 11:22:19 GMT 597372 On Wednesday, 30 April, the Public Electronic Mass Media Council (SEPLP) elected Anita Brauna, the former Editor-in-Chief of Latvian Radio, as the Editor-in-Chief of the joint Latvian Public Media (comprising Latvian Radio, Latvian Television and LSM.lv) for a five-year term. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/22.04.2025-anita-brauna-nominated-to-lead-latvian-public-media.a596351/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 22 Apr 2025 15:03:00 GMT 596351 The Latvian Public Media (LSM) board has decided to nominate Anita Brauna, the former editor-in-chief of Latvian Radio, for the position of editor-in-chief, it was confirmed April 22. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/media/08.04.2025-russian-independent-media-continues-to-find-refuge-in-latvia.a594271/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 08 Apr 2025 12:30:00 GMT 594271 Lilia Yapparova awoke early in the morning to the sound of her alarm clock ringing on February 24. The Russian missile strikes had started and she was determined to get to Ukraine to report on it.