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R. Pleikys died at the age of 64.
Born in Vilnius in 1957, he graduated from high school in Druskininkai and became a journalist at Vilnius University.
He has worked as a professor in the Department of Journalism at Vilnius University, as an assistant editor of Lithuanian radio programs abroad.
In 1989 R. Pleikys founded the first independent radio station M-1, in 1990 the radio station Radiocentras, in 1990-1995 he was the editor-in-chief of Radiocentras, in 1995-1996 he headed the Vilnius editorial office of Kaunas plius TV.
In 1996-2000, R. Pleikys was a member of the Seimas, in 1996-1998 he headed the Ministry of Communications and Informatics.
Rimantas Pleikys (right) in 2007 / Martynas Vidzbelis / Scanpix photo.
The country’s leaders express their sympathy
The country’s leaders expressed their condolences on the passing of the first founder of an independent radio station, former Minister Rimantas Pleikis.
“R.Pleikys embodied the idea of an energetic, courageous and change-seeking initiative in his life. By creating and directing the first independent radio stations, he broke the monopoly of information and opened the way for new generations of journalists” says President Gitanas Nausėda in his condolences.
He stressed that R. Pleikys would remain in the memory of the Lithuanian people and as a member of the Seimas and the Government that assumed responsibility for the fate of the State.
According to Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė, Lithuania has lost one of the pioneers of free Lithuanian journalism.
“I express my sincerest condolences to our family, friends and comrades – all for whom Rimantas was, is and will be an example of professional journalism and true humanity,” the prime minister said.
On Sunday evening, Seimas spokeswoman Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen also expressed her condolences.
“After founding the first non-state radio stations in Lithuania, Rimantas Pleikys became one of the leaders of the Lithuanian information movement. He set an example of citizenship and courage both in the fateful January 1991 and later, assuming responsibility for the work in the Seimas and the Government. The works carried out by Rimantas Pleikis will continue to be a valuable legacy for our country and an inspiration for its people, ”says the Speaker of the Lithuanian Parliament.
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