On 20 June, at a meeting with the Public Electronic Mass Media Council (SEPLP), President of Latvia Egils Levits emphasised that political will is needed to take the necessary decisions on establishing a unified public service media.
In a conversation with representatives of the Council, Jānis Siksnis, Sanita Upleja-Jegermane and Jānis Eglītis, the President of Latvia discussed the guidelines of the concept developed by the Council, the financing models of the united public service media, and the experience of financing and development of public service media in other European Union countries.
"One of the cornerstones of a democratic state is a strong public service media. SEPLP has done its job. Now the Cabinet of Ministers and the Parliament must make political decisions on the merger and the funding model. Politicians must not only deal with themselves but also take the necessary decisions. The merger would allow efficient use of public funds. It would enable faster development of digital platforms, which in turn would increase audience coverage. I also consider the expansion, diversification and quality of content as essential," said E. Levits.
