The LRT management says such broadcasts are expensive, and there are also doubts on their benefit. The satellite services cost around 0.5 million euros a year.
A Vilmorus survey showed last year just 3.7 percent of Lithuanians living abroad watch LRT Lituanica's satellite broadcasts. Meanwhile, 69 percent said they have online access to LRT's contents.
"These numbers made us think that the money spent on the satellite services could be used better to ensure interests of Lithuanians living abroad, i.e., to create special contents for Lithuanians living abroad and increasing LRT Lituanica's accessibility online and through other digital means," Ruta Putnikiene, spokeswoman for LRT, told BNS Lithuania.
In her words, the existing contracts on satellite services have not been terminated yet, but a 2020 plan on all measures for Lithuanians living abroad is due to be presented at the LRT Council's meeting in late August and decisions will be made on further actions.
The national broadcaster also plans a special LRT Lituanica section on the lrt.lt website, dedicated for Lithuanians living abroad.
The LRT's budget for this year exceeds 41.5 million euros.