Latvian Radio News Chief Resigns After Criticism Over Storm Coverage

Uģis Lībietis, head of the Latvian Radio News Service, has resigned from his post following public criticism regarding the station's inadequate coverage during a recent storm crisis. The decision comes after the public broadcaster LSM acknowledged shortcomings in its response to the severe weather event.

Ieva Aile, a board member at LSM responsible for program and service development, admitted that mistakes were made in coordinating actions and in the speed of decision-making concerning the programming of Latvian Radio 1. "On Sunday, the radio was the only source of information for thousands of residents who expected a much broader account of the current situation. We are aware of this and apologize to every listener," Aile stated.

An internal crisis management meeting at LSM evaluated the actions of all public media platforms during the storm. While digital platforms, television, and radio news services worked extended hours to ensure continuous information flow, the radio's news coverage was deemed unsatisfactory. Despite communication disruptions affecting some staff, LSM managed to mobilize additional resources and provide extensive information across multiple platforms.

The review highlighted the need for improved internal communication, coordination, and more proactive preparation for various event scenarios. A clear decision-making process is to be developed for situations where critical communication links are unavailable, such as during telecommunication outages. Particular attention will be paid to the radio's crucial role in crises, as it can become the sole accessible information source for residents.

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On Sunday, the radio was the only source of information for thousands of residents who expected a much broader account of the current situation. We are aware of this and apologize to every listener.