UNESCO is highlighting the upcoming 100th anniversary of Lithuania’s public broadcaster LRT as part of this year’s World Radio Day on February 13.
To mark the occasion, LRT RADIO is reaching out to European broadcasters, whose responses will be aired in the run-up to LRT’s centenary celebrations.
Starting on World Radio Day, listeners will hear a historic recording from June 12, 1926, when the phrase “Hello, hello, Lithuanian Radio, Kaunas” was broadcast for the first time.
Using those same words, LRT has addressed European radio stations with the question, “Can you hear us?” Their replies, in their original languages, will be broadcast from World Radio Day until LRT’s 100th anniversary.
Broadcasters from Estonia, Poland, Iceland, Norway, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Finland, Ukraine, Ireland, Bulgaria and Croatia have already agreed to take part. Organisers say they expect Lithuanian listeners to hear even more European voices before the anniversary.
LRT RADIO places strong emphasis on new technologies and seeks innovative content formats and modern ways to reach audiences. Giedrius Masalskis, head of LRT’s radio department, said cooperation with other European broadcasters plays a key role.
“By actively participating in the activities of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), we learn from colleagues in various countries, adapt high-quality content and share our own best practices,” said Masalskis, who represents LRT on the EBU Radio Committee. “We wanted to involve public broadcasters in this special World Radio Day for us, and we are pleased with their positive engagement.”
World Radio Day was proclaimed by UNESCO to highlight the importance of free and independent radio for society. This year, LRT’s centenary has been included in UNESCO’s list of commemorated anniversaries.
“This is not only the anniversary of a public broadcaster’s founding, but also a symbolic testament to our country’s path toward democracy and freedom of speech,” said Miglė Mašanauskienė, secretary-general of the Lithuanian National Commission for UNESCO.
“By including this date in its list of commemorations, UNESCO honours the century-long mission of Lithuanian Radio and its successor LRT – a mission that aligns with UNESCO’s own goals of safeguarding media independence, pluralism and ensuring access to information for all.”
LRT will mark its 100th anniversary on June 12, 2026.
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