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MARYLAND PUBLIC BROADCASTING COMMISSION

ORIGIN & FUNCTIONS

[photo, Maryland Public Television, 11767 Owings Mills Blvd., Owings Mills, Maryland] 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.

A system for educational and cultural television programming throughout Maryland is developed, operated, and maintained by the Commission. The Commission also is responsible for programs for the general public and, with the approval of the State Board of Education, for programs used in public schools. The Commission also is authorized to develop radio programming (Code Education Article, sec. 24-205). In addition, the Commission holds the federal license for broadcasting stations operated by Maryland Public Television (MPT).

The Commission's eleven members are appointed for five-year terms by the Governor. Two members are designated 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).

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 on six channels:

In 2004, Maryland Public Television began to offer both analog and digital transmission. Digital channels include:

OPERATIONS

The work of the Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission is overseen by Operations. In turn, Operations is responsible for five divisions: Administrative and Support Services; Content; Development; Education and Community Outreach; and Technology.

ADMINISTRATIVE & SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION

The Administrative and Support Services Division formed from the Administrative and Technology Division in 2004.

Under the Division are three departments: Facilities and Human Resources; Finance and Accounting; and Internal Auditing and Financial Reporting.

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.

The Division oversees five departments: Content Business Affairs; Content Enterprises; Content Research and Client Services; Creative Services and Interactive Media; and MPT Networks (Maryland Public Television programming).

DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

As the primary revenue producer for Maryland Public Television, the Development Division oversees the fundraising, membership, and underwriting activities for the station.

Under the Division are five departments: Community Affairs; Corporate Support and Management; Donor Development; Foundation Support; and Major and Planned Gifts.

EDUCATION & COMMUNITY OUTREACH 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 a division in 2004.

Educational services to all Marylanders are provided by the Division through outreach 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 six departments: Business Affairs; Digital Development; Educational Content and Instructional Design; Educational Marketing; Educational Productions; and Educational Services and Professional Development.

TECHNOLOGY DIVISION

Functions of the Technology Division originated from the Administrative and Technology Division from which the Technology Division was carved in 2004. The Division oversees the technical production of broadcast programming. It also maintains transmission and communications functions and ensures that equipment and infrastructure remain operational.

The Technology Division is responsible for Special Projects, and three departments: Engineering; Information Technology Services; and Production Operations.

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