Eight candidates apply for NEPLP board member position

Eight candidates have submitted applications for a member position on the National Electronic Mass Media Council (NEPLP), the Saeima press service told Delfi.

The candidates

Among the applicants is Kārlis Dagilis, who teaches journalism courses at the University of Latvia and Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences. Also applying is Žanete Grende, a former culture minister who now serves on the boards of several culture-related foundations and associations. Kristers Pļešakovs, executive director of the Latvian Association of Broadcasters, is another nominee.

Other candidates include Līga Ādamsone, a former public relations specialist at the Central Election Commission; Guntars Līcis, executive director of the Latvian Press Publishers' Association; and Guntis Meisters, head of the news department at TV24. The list also includes Dita Remberga, head of NEPLP's Monitoring Department, and Jeļena Volkova, a lawyer at SIA "RS Media".

Feedback period and requirements

The Saeima's Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee has invited associations, foundations and other interested parties working in media, education, culture, science and human rights to submit feedback on the candidates by September 21, via email to cilvektiesibu.komisija@saeima.lv.

Under the Electronic Mass Media Law, candidates must be Latvian citizens with a declared residence in the country, hold higher education, have at least five years of professional or academic experience in media, education, culture, science or human rights, and have a good reputation. Candidates may not hold office in a political party, own shares in an electronic media company, or have an unexpunged conviction for an intentional crime. They must also be eligible to receive special clearance for access to state secrets.

A NEPLP member is appointed by the Saeima for a five-year term upon the committee's proposal.