15min reminds that the commotion arose during the last FIBA World Cup qualification “window”, when R. Grajauskas and A. Šuliauskas were replaced on LRT by Agnius Atstopas, who works for the “Lithuanian Basketball” (ALK) association, and Tautvydas Šležas, a member of the Panevėžys “Lietkabelis” coaching staff.
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As ALK president Mindaugas Balčiūnas explained to 15min at the time, “the goal was to please basketball fans as much as possible, keeping them as close as possible to the national team’s daily life.”
“Together with LRT, we were looking for ways to present that internal kitchen, the internal processes of the national teams, as intensively as possible,” M. Balčiūnas said about the joint decision of ALK and LRT.
We share the statement issued by LRT:
LRT continues its cooperation with sports commentators Rokas Grajauskas and Augustas Šuliauskas. The commentator duo, well-known to viewers, will return to the microphones during the upcoming Lithuanian men’s national basketball team matches on August 28. R. Grajauskas and A. Šuliauskas will also comment on the FIBA Champions League matches broadcast on LRT.
LRT’s previous decision to try out a new pair of commentators during the FIBA national team window sparked much discussion among the basketball community and viewers. LRT acknowledges that in making this decision, it underestimated the impact on the audience, and therefore reviewed its internal process for how such decisions will be made in the future.
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“We discussed the situation with Rokas and Augustas and are glad that we will continue to cooperate. LRT values their professionalism, and this situation showed how strong a connection they have created with the audience. It is also important to emphasize that LRT will continue to look for new voices to provide opportunities for a new generation of sports commentators to grow, as commentator diversity is also important when broadcasting so many sporting events,” said Gytis Oganauskas, Deputy Director General of LRT.
“We want to thank you for the sincere support we have received in recent weeks, both through private messages and in the public space. Thank you to the viewers, basketball players, coaches, fellow commentators, and everyone else who did not remain indifferent. The miracle you created is no less impressive than Ignas Sargiūnas’ three-pointers in London. We also thank LRT for its reaction and the decision made,” said R. Grajauskas.
Agnius Atstopas, who commented on the last two matches of the Lithuanian men’s national team against Great Britain and Italy, will also continue to work on LRT sports projects. In September, LRT viewers will hear him commentating on the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup and FIBA 3×3 European Championship broadcasts.
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