In-Depth (formerly The Law Reviews): Media and Entertainment Law offers a practical overview of the legal and regulatory frameworks governing the media and entertainment industry, including print, broadcasting and online publication. Focusing on prominent recent trends and developments, it examines issues including free speech and media freedom, IP rights, competition and consumer rights, common contractual disputes, and much more.
In the most recent issue our offices in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania offer insight into the challenges, changes, and legal developments the Baltic region’s entertainment industry has experienced in the last year.
Estonia
Significant changes are happening in the media and entertainment law landscape in Estonia – from the Tallinn Film Wonderland project, aimed at creating the largest film industry hub in the Baltic region, to focusing on digitising our cultural heritage, with a new action plan targeting 55% digital accessibility by 2029.
In terms of legislative developments, the Estonian government has introduced a streaming platform tax to generate additional revenue. Additionally, a draft law regulating hate speech and hate crimes is currently under parliamentary review, reflecting ongoing efforts to address these issues legally.
A key development of the region was the founding of the Baltic Press Publishers’ Collective Management Organisation (BPCMO), a collaborative effort aimed at safeguarding the interests of press publishers across the Baltic states.
The Estonian chapter is available here.
This overview was created by our partner Mihkel Miidla and senior associate Oliver Kuusk.
Latvia
The Latvian media landscape includes both public and private outlets. In 2024, the National Electronic Media Council turned its focus to combating illegal online content, and developed a strategy to promote local content and ensure a safe media environment. The government provided financial support to public media following COVID-19, and plans to merge Latvian Television and Radio by 2025.
A landmark ruling on radio frequency bands is expected to boost telecom competition and 5G deployment in Latvia. In the video-on-demand (VOD) sector, local platforms like Go3 and Tet+ produce original content, but foreign platforms remain popular. The Ministry of Culture has proposed amendments requiring foreign VOD platforms to support Latvian content. Additionally, Latvia imposed the largest GDPR fine in its history for illegal data practices in the media and entertainment sector.
The Latvian chapter is available here.
This overview was created by partner Ieva Andersone and assistant lawyer Krišjānis Knodze.
Lithuania
Lithuania boasts the largest media and entertainment market in the Baltic region, with a 2022 revenue of EUR 1.184 billion and approximately 39,000 people employed in the sector. Internet usage is widespread, fostering rapid digital media growth, further supported by 5G network advancements. The media landscape features a mix of public broadcasters and private groups such as TV3 and LNK, with online media increasingly prominent.
Challenges to press freedom have emerged, with Lithuania ranking lower than the previous year on the 2024 World Press Freedom Index due to inconsistencies in legal protections for journalists. Film production continues to thrive, driven by tax incentives. Lithuania’s robust legal framework regulates media operations, balancing freedom of expression with privacy concerns. New regulations, such as the EU Digital Services Act, aim to enhance transparency and accountability in digital media.
The Lithuanian chapter is available here.
This overview was created by our counsel Stasys Drazauskas and associate Raminta Matulytė.
