![[photo, Maryland Public Television, 11767 Owings Mills Blvd., Owings Mills, Maryland]](/msa/mdmanual/25ind/images/i006245a.jpg)
The Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission began in 1966 as the Maryland Educational-Cultural Television Commission (Chapter 202, Acts of 1966). In 1967, it was restructured as the Maryland Educational-Cultural Broadcasting Commission (Chapter 645, Acts of 1967). The Commission became the Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission in 1969 (Chapter 405, Acts of 1969). Later that year, public television in Maryland first was broadcast from Owings Mills.
Maryland Public Television, 11767 Owings Mills Blvd., Owings Mills, Maryland, January 2002. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
The Commission's eleven members are appointed for five-year terms by the Governor. Two members are nominated by the State Board of Education. One member is the State Superintendent of Schools. The Governor names the chair and vice-chair (Code Education Article, secs. 24-201 through 24-206).
In 2004, Maryland Public Television began to offer both analog and digital transmission. By June 12, 2009, federal law required that all full-power television stations broadcast only in digital format (Digital Television Transition & Public Safety Act of 2005, P.L. 109-171). To free up frequencies for police, fire and emergency rescue communications, MPT stopped all analog broadcasting on that date.
In August 2007, Maryland Public Television launched V-me, a 24-hour Spanish-language channel. The programming is offered digitally on Comcast (channel 201) and Verizon (channel 881).
The Division oversees three departments: Content Business Affairs; Corporate Support; and Program Services.
As the primary revenue producer for Maryland Public Television, the Division oversees fundraising and membership for the station.
Under the Division are four departments: Major and Planned Giving; Membership; On-Air Fundraising; and Special Events and Community Engagement.
Educational services to all Marylanders are provided by the Division through programs, such as community preview screenings; distribution of licensed content from other public broadcasting organizations; and expanded on-air and on-line information. For students and their families, educators, and schools, the Division develops programs with educational content. Division programs serve all ages and degrees of educational achievement, from preschool through college, as well as life-long learners.
To community organizations and schools, the Division's Video Lending Library makes available copies of quality programming and related discussion materials.
The Division directs five departments: Business Affairs; Early Childhood Education Services; Educational Marketing and Outreach; Educational Technology; and K-12 Educational Services.
The Division oversees the technical production of broadcast programming. At six transmitters throughout the State, it also maintains transmission and communications, and ensures that equipment and infrastructure work.
The Technology Division is responsible for Facilities; Information Technology Services; Production and Maintenance; Production Services; and Transmission and Distribution.
© Copyright Maryland State Archives
MARYLAND PUBLIC TELEVISION
Maryland Public Television (MPT) is the educational and cultural television system for Maryland. Affiliated with the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), Maryland Public Television broadcasts from Owings Mills to six digital channels:
Channel 22.1, 22.2 & 22.3 (WMPT-DT), Annapolis/Crownsville
Channel 28.1, 28.2 & 28.3 (WCPB-DT), Salisbury
Channel 31.1, 31.2 & 31.3 (WWPB-DT), Hagerstown
Channel 36.1, 36.2 & 36.3 (WGPT-DT), Oakland
Channel 62.1, 62.2 & 62.3 (WFPT-DT), Frederick & Montgomery Counties
Channel 67.1, 67.2 & 67.3 (WMPB-DT), Owings Mills/Baltimore
OFFICE OF PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
The work of the Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission is overseen by the President and Chief Executive Officer aided by the Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer. Commission work is conducted by four divisions: Content; Development; Education; and Technology.
CONTENT DIVISION
By 2000, the Content Division originated as the Division of Content, and reformed as the Content Enterprises Division in 2002. It reorganized as the Content Division in 2004, returned to its former name of Content Enterprises Division in 2010, and was again renamed as the Content Division in 2011.
DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
Functions of the Development Division originated in the Marketing and Development Division which from 2001 to 2003 was renamed the Marketing, Development, and Education Division. By 2003, it reorganized as the Development Division. In 2006, it became the Institutional Advancement Division, and returned to its former name of Development Division in 2011.
EDUCATION DIVISION
The Education Division began as the Education and Telecommunications Department. In 1999, it became Education and Interactive Media, and in 2000 reorganized as Community Learning Ventures under the Division of Content. Renamed Education and Community Outreach Department in 2001, it reformed as Education Division in 2004.
TECHNOLOGY DIVISION
Functions of the Technology Division originated from the Administrative and Engineering Division from which the Technology Division was carved in 2004.
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e-mail: mdmanual@mdarchives.state.md.us