21 January 2026

Public Lecture “Journalism Under Pressure: Democracy, Media, and the Fight for Trust”

Journalism plays a crucial role in supporting democracy, transparency, and informed public debate. Free press is a powerful symbol of liberation from authoritarian rule. But today, journalism is facing new and profound challenges. 

On January 30 at 4 p.m., we invite you to a lecture by Erik Albæk, professor of journalism and political science at the University of Southern Denmark, entitled “Journalism Under Pressure: Democracy, Media, and the Fight for Trust”  at the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania. 

In this talk, Professor Erik Albæk explores how the media landscape has changed — and what these changes mean for democracy. Why are traditional news organizations struggling financially? How have social media and digital platforms transformed the way we consume information? Why are more people avoiding the news altogether? And what does the rise of artificial intelligence mean for truth, trust, and public debate? 

The lecture will also look forward. Can journalism adapt to a world shaped by algorithms, polarization, and misinformation? What role can public service media, constructive journalism, and media literacy play in strengthening democratic societies? 

This talk is aimed at a general audience and invites reflection and discussion on one of the most urgent questions of our time: how do we ensure that journalism remains a vital force in democracy? 

 Erik Albæk is professor of Journalism and Political Science at the University of Southern Denmark. 2000 – 2001 he was visiting professor at the Institute of International Relations and Political Science, Vilnius University. 

This event is part of an ongoing event series now in its fourth year. In 2023, the focus was on Finland; in 2024, the event explored parallels between the events of January 13 in Lithuania and the war in Ukraine; and in 2025, participants were invited to take a closer look at the relations between Czechoslovakia / the Czech Republic and Lithuania. This year, we invite you to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between Lithuania and Denmark. 

This lecture is the first event in the series A Year with Denmark: Bridges of Culture and Solidarity. 

The lecture will be held in English.