In the early 1990s, when the Republic of Latvia regained the status of an independent state, it was necessary to adhere to the basic principles of democracy in the field of electronic media, establishing a public broadcasting system, as well as creating favourable conditions for the development of private broadcasting organizations.
Before the establishment of the National Radio and Television Council, the Latvian Radio and Television Council operated in Latvia, in accordance with the regulations approved by the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia (1992-1995). The Chairman of the Council was Z. Skujiņš, and the Deputy Chairman - K. Vahšteins. During this time the law "On Radio and Television", adopted by the Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia on May 6, 1992, was in force.
On 24 August 1995, the parliament adopted the Radio and Television Law, which creates the procedure for establishing, registering, operating and supervising electronic mass media. Supervisory functions were entrusted to the National Radio and Television Council, which was established on 28 September 1995.
In the first years of its operation, the Council began active work on regulating the electronic media sector, monitoring that broadcasting organizations comply with the Constitution, the Radio and Television Law and other laws in their operations, and controlling that freedom of expression and information is ensured.
On 12 July 2010, the parliament adopted the Electronic Mass Media Law, which further determined the procedure and rules for the operation of electronic mass media under the jurisdiction of Latvia. The control over compliance with this law was entrusted to the National Electronic Mass Media Council of Latvia (NEPLP), which is the successor to the rights and obligations of the National Radio and Television Council.