![[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).
Under the Division are three departments: Facilities and Human Resources; Finance and Accounting; and Internal Auditing and Financial Reporting.
The Division oversees six departments: Content Business Affairs; Content Enterprises; Corporate Underwriting; Creative Services and Interactive Media; MPT Networks (Maryland Public Television programming); and Research and Content Marketing.
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. The Division's Video Lending Library also makes available copies of quality programming and related discussion materials to community organizations and schools. Division programs serve all ages and degrees of educational achievement, from preschool through college, as well as life-long learners.
The Division directs five departments: Business Affairs; Educational Content and Instructional Design; Educational Marketing; Educational Productions; and Educational Services.
Under the Division are four departments: Community Affairs; Corporate Communications; Institutional Advancement Operations; and Major and Planned Gifts.
The Technology Division is responsible for Engineering; Information Technology Services; Production Operations; and Special Projects.
© 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
OPERATIONS
The work of the Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission is overseen by the Chief Executive Officer aided by the Chief Operating Officer. The Chief Operating Officer is responsible for five divisions: Administrative and Support Services; Content; Education; Institutional Advancement; and Technology.
ADMINISTRATIVE & SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION
The Administrative and Support Services Division formed from the Administrative and Technology Division in 2004.
CONTENT DIVISION
By 2000, the Content Division originated as the Division of Content, and reformed as the Content Enterprises Division in 2002. The Division reorganized under its present name in 2004.
EDUCATION DIVISION
The Education and Community Outreach Division began in 1999 as the Education and Telecommunications Department. By 2000, it 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.
INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT DIVISION
Functions of the Institutional Advancement Division originated in the Marketing and Development Division which from 2001 to 2003 was renamed the Marketing, Development, and Education Division. By 2005, it reorganized as the Development Division. In 2006, it became the Institutional Advancement Division. As the primary revenue producer for Maryland Public Television, the Division oversees fundraising and membership for the station.
TECHNOLOGY DIVISION
Functions of the Technology Division originated from the Administrative and Engineering Division from which the Technology Division was carved in 2004. The Division oversees the technical production of broadcast programming. At six transmitters throughout the State, it also maintains transmission and communications functions and ensures that equipment and infrastructure work.
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e-mail: mdmanual@mdarchives.state.md.us