The plan, presented to the media on Jan. 15, suggests that the main purpose of the scheme is finding ways to improve LRT's financial situation within the shortest period of time without renouncing its principles as a public broadcaster.
LRT's debt to a number of creditors now totals over 15 million litas ($3.75 million). The broadcaster's 2001 budget amounts to 35.5 million litas, while the company's administration says the government should allocate about 70 million litas.
Among additional sources of income, LRT intends to run advertisements and to found an LRT advertising agency. It plans to improve its financial situation by attracting investment from Lithuanian and international funds, and providing more technical services, like repairs of professional and household equipment and other TV services.
It also plans to rent premises, buildings and land, start publishing audio and video cassettes and CDs, establish an entertainment and sports center, an LRT lottery and manufacture souvenirs - such as mugs, T-shirts and postcards - which would be sold at LRT headquarters and in buses driving across Lithuania.
This comprehensive business plan was prepared in response to a request from the Lithuanian government. The government has vowed to "address the debt matter as a separate issue" if LRT's director, Vaidotas Zukas, prepares a business plan proving that the national broadcaster is capable of handling the money it receives.
Last week, a Lithuanian parliamentary working group on LRT's multiple problems presented its conclusions, describing the administration as unsatisfactory. According to the report, LRT lacks plans for the efficient use of its property, commercial activities, savings and the reduction of spending, and staff.
The government plans to evaluate the business scheme within the coming days.
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