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Maryland Public Television presses lawmakers to keep funding mandate and promotes statewide media literacy center
Summary
Maryland Public Television urged lawmakers not to repeal a statutory funding protection in the Budget Reconciliation Financing Act and outlined an audit response, viewership trends and a new Maryland Center for Media Literacy and Education funded partly by private donors.
Maryland Public Television officials told the Appropriations Education and Economic Development Subcommittee that proposed language in the Budget Reconciliation Financing Act would remove statutory protections that require the governor to fund MPT at the prior year level adjusted for growth, leaving the network vulnerable to funding volatility.
MPT President and CEO (testifying) said the 2017 law protects the network from “the vagaries of political administrations” and urged the committee to oppose repeal. He told lawmakers MPT has submitted a written response to a fiscal compliance audit and expects to complete corrective actions by June 30, 2025.
DLS budget analyst Scott Vincent reviewed the fiscal 2026 allowance, which increases operating funds by about $3.1 million (7.3%) to roughly $45 million; he noted the largest spending share is personnel and highlighted an estimated $2 million general‑fund loss to the state by fiscal 2030 if the mandated growth provision were repealed.
Vincent also summarized Office of Legislative Audits findings released October 24, 2024, noting six audit findings (two repeats from 2020) and concerns regarding the affiliate foundation’s documentation of corrective actions. He recommended restricting $100,000 until MPT submits a report describing actions taken to address the findings.
MPT leaders showcased programming and a new initiative: the Maryland Center for Media Literacy and Education. The network said it has raised more than $2.5 million from donors to launch the center, plans curricular resources and teacher training, and will expand media‑literacy work statewide with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. MPT officials said traditional over‑the‑air viewing has declined but streaming and app usage provide new audience pathways and that the station continues to serve low‑income viewers who rely on free broadcast services.
Committee members asked about how the media literacy effort differs from platform content moderation; MPT responded that the center will provide curriculum and education rather than fact‑checking or content censorship. MPT said it will complete audit corrective actions by June 30, 2025 and asked the committee to reject repeal of the funding protection. No formal votes occurred at the hearing.
