Reaching equality through media training

Lithuanian National Television (LRT) and the Lithuanian Journalism Centre have long worked hand in hand within the country to champion the values of quality journalism. One of the ways it does this is through Expert Media Training. 

This project was initiated after it became clear that journalists had been relying on the same few experts for comment. It was also appeared that many experts were hesitant to talk to journalists. In short, this meant a lack of diversity in contributors. And when expert commentators were consulted and did have something to say, they did not necessarily understand how journalism worked. 

In equal measure, LRT believes it is important to have an equal balance in male and female expert voices for all its content and across all its platforms: TV, radio, internet and social media. 

Expert Media Training was therefore set up with two goals in mind: first, to increase the number of experts who can comment on various topics within the media; and second, to find more female experts who can give feedback across various topics.