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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 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).


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:

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).


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 Enterprises; Education; Institutional Advancement; and Technology.


ADMINISTRATIVE & SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION

The Administrative and Support Services Division traces to the Administrative and Finance Division. Renamed Administrative and Technology Division in 2001, it received its present name in 2004.

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


CONTENT ENTERPRISES DIVISION

By 2000, the Content Enterprises Division originated as the Division of Content, and reformed as the Content Enterprises Division in 2002. The Division reorganized as the Content Division in 2004, and returned to its former name of Content Enterprises Division in 2010.

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


EDUCATION DIVISION

The Education Division began as the Education and Telecommunications Department. In 1999, it became Education and Interactive Media. In 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.

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.


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 2003, 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.

Under the Division are three departments: Community Affairs; Institutional Advancement Operations; and Major and Planned Gifts.


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.

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

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 Maryland Manual On-Line, 2011

August 9, 2011   
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