Media Outlet The Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT) Legal Entity Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT) Date of first publication 05/05/2025 Date of Latest Change 21/05/2025
12. Responsibility for Sources
A Media Outlet shall ensure that the sources used for its journalism are dealt with responsibly and their anonymity protected when justified.
12.1. Anonymity
The procedures for granting anonymity to sources shall be covered by the Editorial Guidelines. The reason for anonymity should be clarified for the public.
Are there guidelines on the procedures to be followed for granting anonymity to sources?
YesAre the reasons for granting anonymity made clear to the public?
YesIf you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Journalists may use anonymous sources when it is necessary for the protection of the public interest and/or the source may be endangered. Journalists must make sure that the information provided by the anonymous source is reliable and authentic.
The update to LRT's Editorial Policy added a provision stating that if the source of information is not disclosed, the reasons for anonymity should be explained to the public, if the editorial staff assumes it to be in the public interest.
See the LRT Editorial Policy, Ch. III.1.2. "Confidentiality of the source of the information" and the Code of Ethics of Journalists of the LRT, Сh. VII. "CONFIDENTIALITY OF THE SOURCE OF INFORMATION".
The update to LRT's Editorial Policy added a provision stating that if the source of information is not disclosed, the reasons for anonymity should be explained to the public, if the editorial staff assumes it to be in the public interest.
See the LRT Editorial Policy, Ch. III.1.2. "Confidentiality of the source of the information" and the Code of Ethics of Journalists of the LRT, Сh. VII. "CONFIDENTIALITY OF THE SOURCE OF INFORMATION".
12.2. Privacy Rights
Editorial guidelines should protect the privacy rights of individuals and their safety.
Are there guidelines to ensure that the privacy rights and safety of individuals are protected in your journalistic activity?
YesIf you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
See the LRT Editorial Policy:
- Ch. III 1.2. "Confidentiality of the source of information";
- Ch. III.1.7. "Respect for privacy";
- Ch. III.2.1. "Disclosure of the producers of the work and the location of the report";
- Ch. V. "DISPLAY AND TREATMENT OF SENSITIVE CONTENT".
The Code of Ethics of Journalists of LRT, Ch. VI. "RESPECT FOR PRIVACY".
- Ch. III 1.2. "Confidentiality of the source of information";
- Ch. III.1.7. "Respect for privacy";
- Ch. III.2.1. "Disclosure of the producers of the work and the location of the report";
- Ch. V. "DISPLAY AND TREATMENT OF SENSITIVE CONTENT".
The Code of Ethics of Journalists of LRT, Ch. VI. "RESPECT FOR PRIVACY".
12.3. Independence and Sources
There should be guidelines on establishing relations with sources which protect the independence of the journalism.
Are there guidelines to ensure the independence of journalism relative to the sources for content?
YesIf you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
See the LRT Editorial Policy, Ch. IV. "ENSURING TRANSPARENCY AND IMPARTIALITY, DECLARATION OF PRIVATE INTERESTS AND CONFLICTS OF INTERESTS".
Code of Ethics of Journalists of LRT, Ch. VIII. "TRANSPARENCY" includes a requirement that journalists identify in their information the institution or organisation that paid for the travel expenses.
Code of Ethics of Journalists of LRT, Ch. VIII. "TRANSPARENCY" includes a requirement that journalists identify in their information the institution or organisation that paid for the travel expenses.
12.4. Diversity of Sources
Editorial guidelines should ensure that a diversity of sources are consulted in producing journalistic content with adequate time for response.
Do the guidelines ensure that a diversity of sources is used in the production of your journalistic content?
YesIf you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
See the LRT Editorial Policy:
- Ch. II.3. "Objectivity";
- Ch. III.1.4. "Ensuring the truth and accuracy of information. Exceptions to editorial responsibility";
- Ch. III.1.5. "Diversity of opinions".
The principle of the diversity of sources is also reflected in the Code of Ethics of Journalists of LRT, see Ch. III "GENERAL PRINCIPLES GOVERNING THE WORK OF JOURNALISTS".
- Ch. II.3. "Objectivity";
- Ch. III.1.4. "Ensuring the truth and accuracy of information. Exceptions to editorial responsibility";
- Ch. III.1.5. "Diversity of opinions".
The principle of the diversity of sources is also reflected in the Code of Ethics of Journalists of LRT, see Ch. III "GENERAL PRINCIPLES GOVERNING THE WORK OF JOURNALISTS".